The Department is currently updating this web page by phase to consolidate the commonly asked questions. Applicant enterprises can visit the webpage to obtain the required information quickly and easily.
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A. General New
- How to ensure a smooth application process?
To receive the funding support smoothly, applicant enterprises should read the EMF Guide to Application (the Guide) in detail so as to ensure that the entire activity participation process meets and complies with the relevant funding requirements and conditions. Applicant enterprises must also pay attention to the issuance of the relevant notices issued by the Department after the submission of the application. Applicant enterprises should then submit the outstanding documents as requested by the notices so that the processing of the application can be resumed as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, the Department may from time to time update the Guide and announce the latest issues to note on this website, including the latest development of the EMF and the related revised requirements and conditions arising from. Enterprises can regularly visit our website to ensure the submitted applications in compliance with the various requirements. - I have submitted an application for over a month. Why the funding hasn’t been approved yet?
Procedures of processing applications are set out in para. 29 of the EMF Guide to Application and the web page for “Processing of Applications” of this website (Please click here for relevant details). Under normal circumstances, the Department will complete the processing of a valid application within 30 clear working days from the date of receipt of the duly completed application accompanied by all necessary documentation. “Clear working days” are counted by the days with service hours, i.e. excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The day of receipt and the day of issue are also excluded. Please refer to the below example:
Date of Receipt of application Reply Notice to be issued not later than
the following date1 February 2024 19 March 2024
(30 clear working days)
In case of insufficient documents, the Department will notify the applicant enterprise of the outstanding or supplementary information/documents required with a “Deferment Notice”. For fair handling, please note that the pledge of processing time of the relevant application will be counted 30 clear working days afresh upon receipt of the supplementary documents. In a few instances where the application with processing time slightly longer than 30 clear working days, the application may be a complicated case due to its individual circumstances, which requires longer processing time. Please contact the Department for further information. - I tried many times to contact the processing officer by phone but were not able to get through. What should I do?
General enquiries of the EMF Branch are handled by the Branch’s hotline. Enquiries concerning specific applications are handled by case officers. Due to the recent constant increase in the number of applications received, there is a remarkable increase in the number of calls received. If the staff is not available to pick up all the calls while processing the applications at the same time, you may consider leaving a message at the voicemail box when your call is re-directed accordingly, or email the Branch (emf_enquiry@tid.gov.hk) for enquiry. The staff will follow up as soon as possible, based on your provided contact information, application number and content of enquiry.
You may also wish to visit the EMF website which is rich in relevant information. Meanwhile, the layout of the deferment notice has also been updated. New version of the notice will make it easier for the applicant enterprise to understanding the deferment issues and facilitate the follow-up on the application concerned. The need for seeking clarification by phone will be greatly reduced.
- How to ensure a smooth application process?
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B. Eligibility New
Eligibility of Enterprises
- Which enterprises is eligible for the EMF? What companies/organisations are certainly not eligible for the EMF?
An enterprise applying for funding support under the EMF must fulfil certain requirements. Details of eligibility are set out in para. 2 of the EMF Guide to Application and the web page for “Eligibility” of this website (Please click here for relevant details). Moreover, effective from 30 April 2021 until 30 June 2026, the eligibility criteria is relaxed to cover non-SMEs. Subsidiaries of listed enterprises, if they themselves are not listed, are also eligible.
Non-profit-making or non-profit-distributing organisations, or the organiser/co-organiser/service provider or a related company of the organiser/co-organiser/service provider of the promotion activity and the related services covered by the application are not eligible.
Eligibility of Activities
- Which promotion activities are eligible for funding support under the EMF? What are some common examples of ineligible activities?
Promotion activities eligible for funding support under the EMF refers to the funding scope of the EMF. It is set out in para. 3 of the EMF Guide to Application and the web page of “Funding Scope” of this website (Please click here for details).
Common examples of activities not funded by the EMF include:- Seminars, workshops, conferences and meetings, etc. solely to assist enterprises to understand relevant development in their industries or mainly for technology exchange
- Exhibition booth of a company directly operating its company’s business targeting for sale by charging fees and providing products/services for on-site consumption
- Business missions comprising sightseeing tours only
- Business trips outside Hong Kong organised/attended by enterprises themselves, including visiting an exhibition or a business partner(s)/client(s)
- Consumer magazines, leisure magazines, academic research journals or publications of similar nature
- Promotion activities conducted through electronic platforms/media which mainly target Hong Kong market
- I am interested in participating in a specific promotion activity, but I would like to check if the relevant activity is eligible for the EMF beforehand. What should I do?
An enterprise may seek preliminary advice from the Department on the eligibility of a specific promotion activity for funding support under the EMF. The details of the scope of promotion activities that the Department accepts preliminary advice to be sought, enquiry procedures, necessary information and notes, etc. are set out in para. 4 of the EMF Guide to Application and the web page of “Funding Scope” of this website (Please click here for details). Please note that preliminary assessment of an eligible activity is not an approval for funding support under the EMF in relation to the activity concerned. Applications are still subject to individual processing and assessment.
Applicant enterprises may also obtain information on activities and platforms/media funded by the EMF in the past 12 months from the webpage of “List of Previously Approved Activities/Trade Publications/Electronic Platforms or Media” for reference (Please click here for details). Please note that previous approval for funding support in relation to a particular activity does not guarantee that the same activity will be eligible for funding support in future. The Department will evaluate each activity and application having regard to the prevailing circumstances.
Eligibility of Expenditure Items
- What expenditure items are eligible for funding support under the EMF? What are some common examples of ineligible expenditure items?
Specified expenditure items of eligible promotion activities within the funding scope of the EMF are eligible for funding support. Details are set out in para. 6 of the EMF Guide to Application and the web page of “Expenditure items eligible for EMF” of this website (Please click here for details).
Please refer to the below examples of non-fundable expenditure items which are out of the funding scope and not eligible for the EMF:- Expenses for purchasing reusable items
- Expenses related to operation and sales (such as salaries of employees, commission and charged based on sales volume, fees for daily maintenance service of online shop/website/mobile application, fees for engaging an agent to set up/operate an account on an e-platform, salaries of employees related to daily operation of the online shop/website/mobile application, etc.)
- Expenses for in-town transportation, car rental fees, hiring drivers, chartered cars, limousine pick-up fees for participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong
- Expenses for advancement of technology application services for the overall daily operation, such as expenses for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
- How should I select the relevant service provider to provide activity related services?
The service provider must be a company with good track record so as to ensure that the funding granted to an enterprises is effectively utilised. Factors relevant to the good track record of a service provider are set out in note 5 of the EMF Guide to Application and note 1 on the web page of “Funding Scope” of this website (Please click here for details). Applicant enterprise can select a service provider in Hong Kong and/or at the activity city provided that the relevant funding requirements can be fulfilled. The Department may request an applicant enterprise to submit supplementary documents to substantiate the good track record of the service provider concerned. In selecting the service provider with good track record, please note that freelancers are NOT considered falling within the definition. Furthermore, service provider with a good track record on a service area not matching with the activity would also not be considered as compliant with the requirement.
- Can an employee of the mother company/subsidiary company participate in a promotion activity on behalf of the applicant enterprise? Can an employee of the mother company/subsidiary company pay for relevant fees of the activity for the applicant enterprise?
Applicant enterprise participating in a promotion activity MUST be directly represented by its “eligible representatives” (i.e. proprietor/partners/shareholders, and/or Hong Kong-based salaried employees) for the whole period of the activity concerned. The relevant application will be rejected if the activity is participated by an employee of the mother company/subsidiary company of the applicant enterprise.
Meanwhile, expenses of eligible expenditure items in a promotion activity MUST be paid by an applicant enterprise (including expenses paid by sole proprietor/partners/shareholders/Hong Kong-based salaried employees on behalf of the applicant enterprise, where such expenses have been reimbursed by the applicant enterprise) to the organiser/co-organiser/relevant operator/service provider. The expenses will not be eligible if the expenses are paid by an employee of the mother company/subsidiary company of the applicant enterprise. - Is there any restriction on cabin class for travelling expenses as an eligible expenditure item?
For travelling expenses incurred by eligible representative participating in an eligible activity, applicant enterprise can decide the cabin class as long as the relevant funding requirements are fulfilled. Please note that there is a funding ceiling per application. The maximum amount of funding support for each successful application is 50% of the total approved expenditure incurred by the applicant enterprise or HK$100,000, whichever is the less.
Please note that applicant enterprise should participate in suitable market promotion activities according to their need of business promotion. Besides, they should also utilise the resources in a prudent and appropriate manner so as to ensure proper use of the funding. Meanwhile, they should also make an effective overall use of the cumulative funding limit per enterprise. - If I participated in more than one exhibitions in a row in a few places outside Hong Kong, how should I declare the travelling expenses in the funding application?
In general, only travelling expenses of the round trip between Hong Kong and the city where the activity takes place incurred 5 days before the start of the activity to 5 days after the end of the activity are considered as related to the participation of the activity concerned. Regarding participation in more than one exhibitions in a row outside Hong Kong, please refer to the below examples for application reference:
Example 1Exhibition city Exhibition period Time of flight Standard Eligibility 1st exhibition: Beijing 10 – 13 April 2024 Out-bound trip arriving at Beijing:
5 April 2024
(local time at Beijing)Fulfilling the condition of 5 days before the start of the activity Eligible 2nd exhibition: Shanghai 17 – 20 April 2024 Out-bound trip from Beijing arriving at Shanghai:
15 April 2024 (local time at Shanghai)Fulfilling the condition of 5 days before the start of the activity Eligible - - In-bound trip from Shanghai:
25 April 2024 (local time at Shanghai)Fulfilling the condition of 5 days after the end of the activity Eligible Example 2
Exhibition city Exhibition period Time of flight Standard Eligibility Los Angeles 12 – 15 April 2024 Out-bound trip arriving at Los Angeles:
7 April 2024 (local time at Los Angeles)Fulfilling the condition of 5 days before the start of the activity Eligible Munich 28 – 30 April 2024 Out-bound trip from Los Angeles arriving at Munich:
22 April 2024 (local time at Munich)Not fulfilling the conditions of 5 days before the start of the activity (i.e. 23 April 2024) and expenses not incurred between Hong Kong and Munich Ineligible - - In-bound trip from Munich:
10 May 2024 (local time at Munich)Not fulfilling the condition of 5 days after the end of the activity (i.e. 5 May 2024) Ineligible Applicant enterprise must submit two separate applications for participation in individual exhibition and claim for the respective travelling expenses in the two independent applications. However, the two applications must be submitted together to facilitate our consideration of the relevant traveling expenses. Please note that travelling expenses not related to participation in the activity (such as visiting clients) will not be funded.
- Is there any restriction on the type of accommodation/room for accommodation expenses as an eligible expenditure itemNew
For accommodation expenses incurred by eligible representative(s), applicant enterprise can decide the type of accommodation/room (e.g. hotel, hostel/inn, bed and breakfast (B&B), guesthouse, etc.) as long as the relevant funding requirements are fulfilled. Please note that there is a funding ceiling per application. The maximum amount of funding support for each successful application is 50% of the total approved expenditure incurred by the applicant enterprise or HK$100,000, whichever is the less.
Please note that applicant enterprise should participate in suitable market promotion activities according to their need of business promotion. Besides, they should also utilise the resources in a prudent and appropriate manner so as to ensure proper use of the funding. Meanwhile, they should also make an effective overall use of the cumulative funding limit per enterprise. - What are eligible accommodation expenses?New
In general, only accommodation expenses incurred 2 days before the start of the activity to 2 days after the end of the activity at the activity city are considered as related to the participation of the activity concerned. Please refer to the examples below for reference for claiming such expenses in the application:
Example 1Exhibition city Exhibition period Details of accommodation Standard Eligibility Beijing 10 – 13 April 2024 Check-in Date: 8 April 2024Fulfilling the condition of 2 days before the start of the activity Eligible - - Check-out Date:
15 April 2024 (i.e. room rate calculated until the night of 14 April)Fulfilling the condition of 2 days after the end of the activity Eligible
Example 2Exhibition city Exhibition period Details of accommodation Standard Eligibility Munich 28 – 30 April 2024 Check-in Date in Berlin:
20 April 2024Not fulfilling the condition of staying at the activity city in Munich Ineligible - - Check-out Date in Berlin:
23 April 2024Not fulfilling the condition of staying at the activity city in Munich Ineligible - - Check-in Date in Munich:
23 April 2024Not fulfilling the condition of 2 days before the start of the activity (i.e. 26 April 2024) Ineligible - - Accommodation period in Munich:
26 April – 2 May 2024
(i.e. room rate calculated until the night of 1 May)Fulfilling the conditions of 2 days before the start of the activity at the activity city Eligible - - Accommodation expenses in Munich after the night of 2 May 2024 Not fulfilling the condition of 2 days after the end of the activity Ineligible
- Which enterprises is eligible for the EMF? What companies/organisations are certainly not eligible for the EMF?
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C. Funding Ceilings
- Is there any limit on the amount of funding support for each application?
The maximum amount of funding support for each successful application is 50% of the total approved expenditure incurred by the applicant enterprise or HK$100,000, whichever is the less.
Please note that there is a funding ceiling for individual promotion activities and expenditure items:- Setting up or enhancement of a corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise: Please refer to C3 of the FAQs.
- Fee charged for the production of video/product shooting and editing services: Please refer to C4 of the FAQs.
- Is there a limit on the number of applications and amount of funding support per enterprise?New
There is no limit on the number of applications by an enterprise for funding support under the EMF. However, each enterprise may receive funding support under EMF up to a cumulative limit of HK$1,000,000.
- Is there a funding ceiling for setting up or enhancement of a corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise?New
A maximum of 50% of the cumulative limit may be used for applications relating to setting up or enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise.
The prevailing cumulative funding ceiling of each enterprise is capped at $1 million, i.e. a maximum of $500,000 may be used for setting up or enhancing a corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise. - How to calculate the amount of funding support for the fee charged for the production of video/product shooting and editing services?
The maximum amount of funding support for video/product shooting and editing services for each application is no more than the total amount of government funding approved for all other eligible expenditure items for the activity concerned under each application, i.e. capped at 50% of the total approved government funding per application. For example:
Example 1Expenditure items Video/product shooting and editing fee All other eligible expenditure items of the activity (e.g. rental fee for exhibition booth, construction fee of booth, etc.) Amount incurred HK$5,000 HK$20,000 Fundable amount HK$2,500
(HK$5,000 x 50% = HK$2,500= within the total approved government funding of all other eligible expenditure items, i.e. HK$10,000)HK$20,000 x 50%
= HK$10,000Total approved funding of the application HK$2,500 + HK$10,000
= HK$12,500Example 2
Expenditure items Video/product shooting and editing fee All other eligible expenditure items of the activity (e.g. rental fee for exhibition booth, construction fee of booth, etc.) Amount incurred HK$30,000 HK$20,000 Fundable amount = HK$10,000
(HK$30,000 x 50% = HK$15,000
= more than the total approved government funding for all other eligible expenditure items, i.e. HK$10,000)HK$20,000 x 50%
= HK$10,000Total approved funding of the application HK$10,000 + HK$10,000
= HK$20,000 - How can I know the available funding balance of my company?
Applicant enterprise can make use of an online function available on this website to check the available funding balance under the EMF by keying in the Business Registration number and any one of the application numbers via the function of “Enquiry on Previously Approved Applications/Application Status/Applicant’s Available Funding Balance”. Please click here.
- Is there any limit on the amount of funding support for each application?
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D. Application Procedures
What options are available for application under EMF?
Applicant enterprises may choose to apply for an initial payment of the estimated amount of the expenditure eligible for EMF before the commencement of a promotion activity, to be followed by a corresponding application for final payment of the balance of the amount of the eligible expenditure after the completion of the activity concerned.
Alternately, applicant enterprises may apply for reimbursement of all eligible expenditure items after the completion of the activity concerned.(I) For Initial Payment cum Final Payment
- How to apply for initial payment?
Applicant enterprises must submit a duly completed application form together with necessary documentation within 45 to 120 calendar days before the commencement date of the exhibition or business mission, the issue date of the trade publication containing the advertisement, the commencement date of the relevant promotion activity conducted through an electronic platform/media, or the commencement date of the relevant project on setting up/enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise.
For exhibitions held in hybrid mode (i.e. physical and online exhibitions being held simultaneously), the application period will be counted with reference to the exhibition periods of both modes of exhibitions. The first day of the whole exhibition period will be regarded as the commencement date of the activity.
Applications may be lodged electronically through online e-Form, deposited in TID SME Export Marketing Fund’s Application Drop-in Box (located next to Enquiry Counter on G/F of Trade and Industry Tower), or submitted by post or in person to TID’s SME Export Marketing Fund Branch. Applicant enterprises should indicate clearly on the Application Form that they are applying for initial payment for their promotion activities.
First-time applicants must submit in duplicate a signed Funding Agreement on initial payment. Please refer to the EMF Guide to Application for details regarding the procedures and documentary requirements.
Successful applicant enterprises may receive up to 75% of the total preliminarily approved government funding as initial payment. Successful applicant enterprises must also submit a corresponding application for final payment within 60 calendar days after the completion of the promotion activity (as in the case of submitting an application for reimbursement).
In submitting the corresponding application for final payment, applicant enterprises should provide all necessary documentation, particularly original receipt or certified true copy of receipt of each expenditure item if the receipt(s) has/have not been provided before. On top of the EMF Guide to Application, applicant enterprises should refer to the notice of the result of the application for initial payment for the supplementary information required for their application for final payment. - What documents are required for applying for initial payment?
Applicant enterprises are required to provide company registration documents and original receipts/certified true copy of each receipt of deposit paid, and certified copy of the relevant booking confirmation/signed contracts/invoices/quotations (showing detailed contact information of the issuing organisation) if payments for the declared expenditure items have not been made in full upon application for initial payment. Information regarding the promotion activity is also required. Please refer to the EMF Guide to Application for the detailed documentary requirements on different types of promotion activities.
For first-time application for initial payment, a signed Funding Agreement on initial payment in duplicate is also required.
If necessary, TID may require an applicant enterprise to provide additional documents and explanations to substantiate an application. - What is the amount of initial payment per application?
Under EMF, the funding ceiling for each successful application is 50% of the total approved expenditure incurred by the applicant enterprise or HK$100,000, whichever is the less. Applicant enterprises may apply for an initial payment of up to 75% of the total preliminarily approved government funding. Hence, the maximum amount of initial payment is HK$75,000 per successful application. TID will determine the total final amount of government funding for the activity concerned upon receipt of a corresponding application for final payment.
For example:
If the applicant enterprise submits an application for initial payment with an estimated expenditure of HK$200,000 for a promotion activity and TID considers all expenditures are preliminarily eligible under EMF, the preliminarily amount of approved government funding would be HK$100,000 [HK$200,000 x 50%] and the applicant enterprise may receive HK$75,000 [HK$100,000 x 75%] as initial payment.
Within 60 days after the completion of the promotion activity, the applicant enterprise must submit a corresponding application for final payment with relevant supporting documents. If the actual expenditure is HK$195,000 and TID considers all expenditures as eligible, the applicant enterprise may receive the remaining balance of eligible expenditure claimed, i.e. HK$22,500 (the total final amount of government funding approved [HK$195,000 x 50%] minus the amount of initial payment [HK$75,000]). - Can an application for reimbursement be submitted if an application for initial payment is rejected?
Yes, unless the application for initial payment was rejected due to ineligibility of the applicant enterprise or the activity concerned. The application for reimbursement must be submitted within 60 calendar days after the completion date of the promotion activity concerned.
- Can a corresponding application for final payment cover expenditure items not included or not approved in the application for initial payment?
Yes, an applicant enterprise may apply for funding support for expenditure items not covered or not approved in the application for initial payment in its corresponding application for final payment. TID will consider these expenditure items based on the supporting documents provided.
For example, if the applicant enterprise obtains further document proofs for expenditure items declined in the application for initial payment or if there are eligible expenditure items newly incurred in the conduct of the promotion activity, the applicant enterprise may include these expenditure items in the corresponding application for final payment together with the relevant supporting documents. - What if a corresponding application for final payment is not submitted?
If an applicant enterprise fails to submit a corresponding application for final payment after having received an initial payment, TID may take administrative measures against the applicant enterprise including suspension of application services and cheque issuance (under other applications) for the applicant enterprise and its connected enterprises and/or related enterprises (i.e. enterprises of the same owner(s)/shareholder(s)/director(s) of the applicant enterprise). Legal proceedings may also be taken to recoup from the applicant enterprise the full amount of initial payment together with any interest as required.
- When will refund of initial/excess payment be required? What if the initial/excess payment is not returned?
An applicant enterprise shall refund to TID the full amount of initial payment or the amount of payment in excess of the initial payment together with any interest as required, if the amount of initial payment is assessed to be in excess of the total final approved amount of government funding, or if the application is subsequently rejected due to non-compliance with the eligibility criteria and/or conditions of use of EMF, or if the applicant enterprise fails to complete the activity concerned, or if the applicant enterprise does not submit an application for final payment for the activity concerned.
If the applicant enterprise fails to return the excess payment or full amount of initial payment as requested by TID within the specified period, TID may take administrative measures against the applicant enterprise including suspension of application services and cheque issuance (under other applications) for the applicant enterprise and its connected enterprises and/or related enterprises (i.e. enterprises of the same owner(s)/shareholder(s)/director(s) of the applicant enterprise). Legal proceedings may also be taken to recoup from the applicant enterprise the excess payment or full amount of initial payment together with any interest as required. - What is the Funding Agreement for initial payment?
The Funding Agreement for initial payment is a legally binding agreement between the Government and the applicant enterprise covering the funding support provided to the applicant enterprise under an arrangement of initial payment for a promotion activity to be conducted by the applicant enterprise.
Under the Agreement, the applicant enterprise agrees to the following in accepting an initial payment:
- use the initial payment solely for conducting the promotion activity under application;
- complete the promotion activity within the timeframe as declared in the application form;
- submit all invoices, receipts and necessary documents to TID (under an application for final payment) for assessment of the final amount of funding support to be provided; and
- refund to TID the initial payment or excess payment as required
- When should the Funding Agreement be signed?
An applicant enterprise must sign in duplicate the Funding Agreement and submit it to the SME Export Marketing Fund Branch together with a duly completed application form and all necessary documentation when applying for initial payment for the first time. If the application is successful, TID will sign the Funding Agreement and return a copy to the applicant enterprise for record by post together with a crossed cheque for the initial payment approved.
- Is the Funding Agreement required for each application for initial payment?
Applicant enterprises are required to sign and submit in duplicate the Funding Agreement only for their first application for initial payment. The Funding Agreement will apply to the first successful application for initial payment of the applicant enterprise as well as all subsequent successful applications for initial payment submitted by the same applicant enterprise.
(II) For Reimbursement
- How to apply for reimbursement under EMF?
Applicant enterprises must submit duly completed application form together with all necessary documentation within 60 calendar days after the completion date of the exhibition or business mission, the issue date of the trade publication containing the advertisement, the completion date of the relevant promotion activity conducted through an electronic platform/media, or the completion date of the relevant project on setting up/enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise.
For exhibitions held in hybrid mode (i.e. physical and online exhibitions being held simultaneously), the application period will be counted with reference to the exhibition periods of both modes of exhibitions. The last day of the whole exhibition period will be regarded as the completion date of the activity.
Applications may be submitted through online e-Form, by post, via drop-in box (located next to Enquiry Counter on G/F of Trade and Industry Tower) or in person to TID’s “SME Export Marketing Fund Branch”. Applicant enterprises should indicate clearly on the Application Form that they are applying for reimbursement of eligible expenditure items for their promotion activities. Please refer to the EMF Guide to Application for details regarding application procedures and documentary requirements.
- How to apply for initial payment?
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E. Applications through Online E-Form
- What are the formats required for the supporting documents to be uploaded?
Applicant enterprises applying through online e-Form should prepare the supporting document in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) The file(s) must be in JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF, DOC or DOCX format,
(ii) The information contained in the file(s) must be clear and legible (resolution no less than 200dpi), and
(iii) The e-Form supports 10 attachments at a total capacity of 10MB. If the total number or size of files to be upload exceeds the limits, applicant enterprises should merge or compress the files beforehand, or upload them separately through “Submit Supplementary Documents” function.
If necessary, TID may request for digital files of better resolution or the original of supporting documents for assessing the applications. - How to use the “Submit Supplementary Document” function to upload files which exceed the supported limits, or submit supplementary documents?
If the total number or size of files for uploading exceed the supported limits even after compression or merging (This e-Form supports 10 attachments at a total capacity of 10MB) in the submission of an application, or if provision of supplementary documents is required after the submission of an application, an applicant enterprise may upload the files concerned through the “Submit Supplementary Documents” function of the e-Form.
Applicant enterprises may click here to re-enter the online e-Form system and click “Start Filling in a New Form” on the homepage , and then select “Submit Supplementary Documents”.
Applicant enterprises should make ready the “e-Form Transaction No.” (with prefix “TID001”) or “Application No.” (with prefix “E”), Business Registration No., and the supporting documents prepared in the required format as mentioned in Frequent Asked Question D1 before using “Submit Supplementary Documents”.
After successful submission, applicant enterprises may print or download the “Record of Submission of Supplementary Documents of Application for SME Export Marketing Fund” for future reference. - Are original of the supporting documents required for e-Form submission?
Applicant enterprises applying through online e-Form and opting to sign the Declaration for Application in paper form are required to submit a duly signed declaration (provided by the computer system in submitting the e-Form) with company chop. Enterprises applying for initial payment for the first time are also required to submit in duplicate a duly signed Funding Agreement.
As for supporting documents, they may be uploaded through the e-Form system but the images must be clear and legible (resolution no less than 200dpi). Applicant enterprises must keep the originals of all the supporting documents. If necessary, TID may request for digital files of better resolution or the original of the supporting documents for assessing the applications. Failure to provide the required or legible supporting documents, or the duly signed Declaration/Agreement may cause delay in the processing of the applications. - How to sign the Declaration for Application with digital signature for e-Form submission?
If an applicant enterprise prefers to use digital signature, it should choose to sign the Declaration for Application with organisational digital certificate and provide the relevant information of the signatory while filling in the e-Form. The organisation and authorised user as stated in the organisational digital certificate should match with the information of the applicant enterprise and the signatory inputted.
- Which digital certificates can be used to sign the Declaration for Application?
For the purpose of applying for EMF, TID accepts Hongkong Post e-Cert (Organisational), and "ID-Cert" Class 2 and Class 5 issued by Digi-Sign Certification Services Limited.
Please refer to the website of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer for more information about the digital certificate. - How to save the application data for future use?
During anytime in filling in the e-Form, applicant enterprises may press the “Save” button at the footer of the page to save the data entered as a GFD file to the local PC. Applicant enterprises may upload the file to continue to fill in the form later, or retrieve the data to apply for funding support for another activity. A password will be required to protect the data to be saved. The e-Form system will not be able to open the file and import the saved data without the password.
To use the saved data, click "Fill in a Saved Form" on the Front Page of the e-Form, upload the saved data from the GFD file, enter the password, and then click the "Open" button. Once the saved data is imported into the e-Form, an applicant enterprise should check if the details are accurate and valid. - How to review a submitted application?
After the submission of e-Form, application enterprises may download a “Declaration for Application/Application Record” in PDF format. The document will provide the e-Form Transaction No., the Date and Time of online submission, details of the application filed. If applicant enterprises opt to sign the declaration in paper form, a “Declaration for Application” will also be provided for signature and submission by the applicant enterprises.
Applicant enterprises may also contact “SME Export Marketing Fund Branch” of TID for review of their submitted e-Forms. - Why can’t one proceed to the next page or submit the e-Form?
This may be due to the following:
- All the mandatory particulars have yet to be completed. For example, Hong Kong Identity Card/Passport No. of the Owner /All Partners /Individuals holding >= 30% shares, and expenses of the promotion activity/declared expense items, etc.
- Rectification required for incorrect data input. For example, incorrect format of e-mail address, start date or end date of an activity fall(s) outside the relevant application period, etc.
Please check and input/amend the data concerned.
F. Amendment/Withdrawal of an Application
- Can an application be amended after submission?
If there is any material change to the information contained in an application after its submission to TID, the applicant enterprise should promptly inform TID in writing. The relevant application number, the Business Registration number, and information on the promotion activity concerned should be provided in the written request to facilitate the processing of the request and to avoid any confusion. TID will not accept any amendment to an application which will render the application null and void.
- Can an application be withdrawn?
An applicant enterprise wishing to withdraw an application already lodged with TID should submit a written request to TID to withdraw the application. The relevant application number, the Business Registration number, and information on the promotion activity concerned should be provided in the written request to facilitate the processing of the request and to avoid any confusion. For an application under which initial payment has been issued, the applicant enterprise is required to return the initial payment to TID upon withdrawal of the application together with any interest as required.
G. Issuance of Deferment Notice by Email
- When will the TID start issuing the deferment notice by email?
Deferment notice has been sent by email to notify applicant enterprises of the outstanding/ supplementary information/ documents required. You may also refer to the relevant “Frequently Asked Questions” in this section for details.
- Apart from the method for issuance, how does the deferment notice issued by email differ from that issued previously by ordinary post?
Apart from issuing the deferment notice by email instead of by ordinary post, the layout of the deferment notice has also been updated. New version of the notice will facilitate applicant enterprise’s understanding and follow-up on the application concerned. Please click here to know more.
- The TID issues the deferment notice by email, will other notices of EMF also be issued by email?
No. The EMF Branch will implement issuance of other notices by email in phases later.
Please check out the relevant arrangement on the EMF website in due course. - How to identify the deferment notice issued by the TID in my inbox?
The deferment notice issued by email by the EMF Branch will bear the subject “SME Export Marketing Fund: Deferment Notice (EXXXXXXXX (Application No.))” and domain name of the TID (tid.gov.hk). Applicant enterprise can search for emails with the keyword of “Deferment Notice” in the subject or relevant application number in the inbox (please make sure that it is the inbox of the email account of email address provided in the application form concerned) in order to obtaining the message concerning your application promptly and specifically.
- Can I change my email address provided in the application form after submitting the application?
The EMF Branch will issue the deferment notice to the email address provided in the application form. If an applicant enterprise intends to change the email address for receiving deferment notice, please fill in the new email address in the application form when submitting the next application.
Under normal circumstances, the EMF Branch will not accept request(s) to change email address(es) during the processing of the same application so as to avoid any confusion and delay in funding disbursement. - Can I reply the email direct to submit the supplementary documents?
No. Please submit the supplementary documents via one of the following means:
(a) Online e-Form (https://emf.tid.gov.hk/eform)
(b) By Post (Mailing address: “SME Export Marketing Fund Branch” Service Counter, Room 1301, 13/F, Trade and Industry Tower, 3 Concorde Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong)
(c) Via Drop-in Box (Location: Next to the Enquiry Counter on G/F of the Trade and Industry Tower)
(d) In Person (Address: “SME Export Marketing Fund Branch” Service Counter, Room 1301, 13/F, Trade and Industry Tower, 3 Concorde Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong) - What should I do if I forget my email address provided in the application form?
Applicant enterprise can click here to make use of the online enquiry service “Enquiry on Previously Approved Applications/Application Status/Applicant’s Available Funding Balance” with entry of its Business Registration number and any one of its EMF application number(s) to check its application status and email address provided in the application form.
H. Others
- Will late applications be accepted?
Late submission of an application will not be accepted unless there are exceptional circumstances or justified grounds substantiated with supporting documents. TID will base on the date of receipt of an application by TID having regard to the commencement/completion date of the exhibition or business mission, the issue date of the trade publication containing the advertisement, the commencement/completion date of the relevant promotion activity conducted through an electronic platform/media, or the commencement/completion date of the relevant project on setting up/enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise, to determine whether an application is received within the application period as set out in the EMF Guide to Application and hence decide whether an application is late or not. Under all circumstances, local calendar (i.e. Hong Kong time) will be used for determining the deadline regardless of any time zone difference in the case of export promotion activities outside Hong Kong.
If an applicant enterprise has missed the deadline for submitting an application for initial payment before the commencement of a promotion activity, it may submit an application for reimbursement within 60 calendar days after the completion of the activity concerned. - How to determine if an application submitted is late?
TID will base on the date an application is received by TID having regard to the commencement/completion date of the exhibition or business mission, the issue date of the trade publication containing the advertisement, the commencement/completion date of the relevant promotion activity conducted through an electronic platform/media, or the commencement/completion date of the relevant project on setting up/enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise to determine whether an application is late or not.
Applicant enterprises should take note of the lead-time required for submitting applications by post. Local calendar (i.e. Hong Kong time) will be used for determining the deadline regardless of whether the activity concerned is held in Hong Kong. In case the deadline for submission falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, applicant enterprises should ensure that their application is properly received by TID by the nearest working day before the deadline. Otherwise the applications will be regarded as late submission.
Applications deposited in drop-in box for EMF outside office hours will be considered as properly received by TID on the next working day. - How to determine priority in processing applications?
Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis according to the time and date of receipt of a complete and valid application by TID.
- How to complete the column "Form of Business" in the application form?
For sole proprietorship, please provide the owner's name and other relevant information. In the case of a partnership, please provide the names and relevant information of all partners. For a limited company, please provide the names and information of the individuals having 30% and/or more share holdings. If there is no individual having 30% and/or more share holdings of a company in question, please provide the names and information of all shareholders. If an applicant enterprise is held by corporate shareholder, please provide the names and relevant information of all directors of the applicant enterprise. An applicant enterprise is required to submit documentary evidence in this regard (e.g. For unlimited company: Certified Extract/Electronic Extract of Information on the Business Register, i.e. Form 1(a) or Form 1(c) of the Business Registration Office, issued within the past 2 years; For limited company: full copy of the most recent Annual Return (i.e. Form NAR1) or Incorporation Form (i.e. NNC1) of the Companies Registry).
- Can an enterprise apply for EMF for exhibitions that are held regularly?
Each application under EMF should cover one promotion activity. Exhibitions held at regular intervals, such as annually or quarterly, are regarded as individual and separate activities. An applicant enterprise may submit an application each to cover these activities.
- Can one application form cover several advertisements placed on different issues of the same trade publication?
No. One application form can only apply for funding support for one advertisement on a single issue of a publication. If an advertisement is placed on several issues of the same trade publication, an applicant enterprise should submit an application for funding support for each issue of the publication, together with relevant documents.
- If there is no issue date on a publication, when should an enterprise submit an application?
For advertisement in a trade publication, if there is no issue date on the publication or the publisher does not inform TID of the issue date, the first day of the month/quarter of issue of the trade publication will be taken as the issue date.
- Regarding promotion activity conducted through an electronic platform/media, how should an enterprise calculate the activity period to avoid late submission of reimbursement application?
In general, applicant enterprise should submit a copy of the service contract of the relevant activity showing the activity concerned, the activity period and other details. The application deadline should be calculated accordingly.
In view of the various modes, implementation period and charging methods of different electronic platforms/media, if the operator of the relevant electronic platform/media does not issue a contract to the applicant enterprise, the covering period on invoice and/or receipt issued by individual operator of the relevant electronic platform/media will be used for calculating the deadline of application submission.
If an enterprise conducts the promotion activity on the same electronic platform/media in different periods, the operator concerned may issue separate invoices and/or receipts covering the corresponding periods for the same promotion activity. Applicant enterprise may submit one application form to apply for funding support for more than one invoice and/or receipt of the corresponding activity. However, applicant enterprise should ensure that the activity period stipulated on each invoice/receipt observe the application deadline (i.e. within 60 calendar days after the completion date of the activity). TID will consider the activity period stipulated on each invoice/receipt separately in determining whether the application is submitted late. The declared expenditure related to the invoice and/or receipt which is submitted late will not be considered.
Example
Application Date: 30 June 2021
Applicant enterprise conducted a promotion activity on a large-scale electronic platform for the following periods. The operator of the electronic platform concerned only issues three invoices covering the relevant periods. Applicant enterprise submitted all three invoices concerned in one application. In processing the application, TID will only consider the expenditure on the second and third invoices as the first invoice was submitted late.Activity period stipulated on invoice Remarks 1. 20 – 28 April 2021 Late for 3 days. Relevant expenses will not be considered. 2. 29 April – 9 May 2021 Not late. Relevant expenses will be considered. 3. 10 – 28 May 2021 - Is it compulsory to include the company name and contact information of an applicant enterprise in an advertisement placed on trade publication, electronic platform/media or a corporate website/mobile application owned by the applicant enterprise?
Yes. An applicant enterprise must place an advertisement in the capacity of a Hong Kong enterprise. Name of the enterprise and its Hong Kong contact information (including address, telephone number and fax number) must appear on the relevant advertisement. With regard to setting up or enhancing the corporate website/mobile application owned by an applicant enterprise, the website/mobile application under application must contain information about the applicant enterprise, its products and/or services, as well as its full company name and Hong Kong contact information under the requirement.
- What documents will be accepted as status proof of employers and/or employees?
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) records issued by the trustees will normally suffice. Other documentary evidence (e.g. for employer: Certified Extract/Electronic Extract of Information on the Business Register, i.e. Form 1(a)/Form 1(c) of the Business Registration Office (issued within the past 2 years) or the most recent Annual Return (i.e. Form NAR1) or Incorporation Form (i.e. NNC1) of the Companies Registry; for employees: employment contract, salary payment record, and Employer’s Return of Remuneration and Pensions for the Inland Revenue Department) will be required if no MPF records are available.
- Under what circumstances will an applicant enterprise be required to provide additional documentary proof?
To ensure the proper use of public money, TID will review applications received at random. An applicant enterprise may be required to provide additional supporting documents (e.g. invoice, receipt, business contract, letter of credit, shipping document, bank statement, tax return, etc.) to demonstrate that it has substantive business operations in Hong Kong. TID will also contact third parties including the organiser of the relevant promotion activity and the MPF trustees to verify the authentication of the information provided by an applicant enterprise. Applications without sufficient supporting documents will not be considered.
- What are the formats required for the supporting documents to be uploaded?