Two-can limit on milk powder to stop cross-border traders

People departing Hong Kong will be limited to taking two cans, or 1.8kg, of milk powder in the latest government effort to crack down on trading by mainlanders that has led to shortages in the city.

The change, imposed under a legislative amendment and expected to take effect as soon as this month, was among a basket of measures announced by the administration yesterday.

Those found guilty of breaking the new rule could be fined up to HK$2 million or face seven years in jail.

But critics said the amendment would take too long, while lawmakers and mothers - struggling to find milk formula for their children - said traders may still stockpile powder and make multiple trips across the border to sell it in Shenzhen at higher prices.

Announcing the plan yesterday, Secretary for Food and Health Dr Ko Wing-man said it would not cause parallel trading to "drop to zero" but could "greatly discourage parallel traders from making a big impact".

He said the change to the Import and Export Ordinance would require Executive Council approval and theoretically could be passed this month.