The restriction on exports of powdered milk for babies will be reviewed in one year, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said yesterday, adding that the policy was not meant to single out mainlanders.
Speaking in Guangzhou after meeting provincial officials, she said the review would assess the impact of the rule on the supply of infant formula in the city.
"We will definitely do follow-up work and supervision [over the policy]," she said, adding that the SAR government would continue to work with mainland authorities to improve checks on organised smuggling.
Some mainlanders have been outraged at the new rule that allows adults to carry only two tins, or 1.8kg, of infant formula out of Hong Kong.
They said the legislation is discriminatory and too harsh.
Others accused Beijing of failing to ensure the safety and quality of food sold on the mainland, thereby forcing people to cross the border to buy daily items.