Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme

In view of the spread of the COVID-19 worldwide, the demand for masks has surged significantly, aggravating the acute supply shortage situation in Hong Kong which largely relies on import for masks and driving up prices. The HKSAR Government has launched the “Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme” (the Scheme) under the Anti-epidemic Fund, facilitating the start of local mask production as soon as possible to help address the imminent shortage as well as to build up some reserve stock. The Hong Kong Productivity Council administers the Scheme and serves as the Secretariat, and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) is responsible for approving applications.

*Technical support to local mask production line completed at end June 2021.

In view of the spread of the COVID-19 worldwide, the demand for masks has surged significantly, aggravating the acute supply shortage situation in Hong Kong which largely relies on import for masks and driving up prices. The HKSAR Government has launched the “Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme” (the Scheme) under the Anti-epidemic Fund, facilitating the start of local mask production as soon as possible to help address the imminent shortage as well as to build up some reserve stock. The Hong Kong Productivity Council administers the Scheme and serves as the Secretariat, and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) is responsible for approving applications.

All the quota of 20 production lines under the Scheme have been allocated. The particulars of the 20 production lines as at 31 May 2023 are tabulated below.

¹The Commencement Date of the Committed Procurement Period is the date on which the production line was confirmed to meet the relevant criteria for supplying masks to the Government (e.g. having obtained laboratory reports from an accredited laboratory certifying that the masks produced comply with the ASTM F2100 Level 1 standard or above). The production line will supply masks to the Government during the 12-month Committed Procurement Period.

Based on information provided by the production lines, the estimated average price of a mask procured by the Government under the Scheme is $1.35.  This figure is subject to change and confirmation through vetting of supporting documents and calculations provided by the production lines.