521200General cargo warehouses
通用貨倉
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity involves the operation of warehouses that store general cargo, including consumer goods and non-perishable foodstuffs. It encompasses various types of storage facilities, such as bonded warehouses and those designed for dangerous goods, providing essential services for the management and safekeeping of diverse merchandise.
This classification includes
- bonded warehouses
- dangerous goods godowns
- general merchandise warehouses
- godowns for storing consumer goods
- godowns for storing non-perishable foodstuffs
- storage tanks
- storage services n.e.c.
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- container freight stations (CFS)
- container yards
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowGeneral cargo warehouses are typically tied to local operations and customers. Contracts for storage services are usually negotiated and concluded within Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore treatment. The nature of the business is inherently linked to the local market.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
GENERAL CARGO WAREHOUSES AND STORAGE SERVICES
45/60 characters
Chinese 中文
通用貨倉及儲存服務
9/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
What licenses are required for warehouses?
You may need a business registration certificate and specific licenses depending on the type of goods stored, such as dangerous goods permits.
Are there any tax incentives for storage services?
Storage services are subject to Hong Kong's standard corporate tax rates. There are no specific tax incentives for this activity.
Can I operate a warehouse without a physical presence?
A physical presence is typically required for warehousing activities, as they involve local storage and management of goods.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a general cargo warehouses business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub