Hong Kong’s RCEP Accession Process: What Should Cross-border Businesses Understand?

Hong Kong is seeking accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). In November 2026, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development said Hong Kong would actively participate in the accession process.

RCEP ministers approved an ad hoc Accession Working Group to advance the process for applicant economies, including Hong Kong, China. Under the adopted process document, a sub-working group will conduct preparatory discussions with each applicant to assess its readiness.

Preparatory discussions, formal negotiations and completed accession are distinct stages. The document states that preparatory discussions do not constitute, guarantee or preclude the commencement of negotiations. Decisions on taking forward a recommendation to start negotiations require consensus among participating countries. Hong Kong remains an applicant under the official information cited here.

Cross-border businesses can monitor announcements on the working group, negotiations, accession and eventual implementation. RCEP treatment does not automatically apply because Hong Kong has applied; businesses should consider the agreements and rules applicable to each transaction.

General information only; not legal, tax or trade advice.

Sources: https://asean.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Next-Steps-for-RCEP-Accession-Process_Final.pdf; https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202611/03/P2026110300246.htm