SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) Transition Guidance
Current guidance for Hong Kong enterprises reviewing final EMF reimbursement claims and moving future export-promotion funding planning to BUD Fund or Easy BUD.
Service snapshot
What to expect before you enquire
Best for
Businesses handling a final EMF reimbursement claim or moving future promotion projects to BUD or Easy BUD.
- What HKBSCL handles
- Independent status and document review, final-claim record coordination and preparation for the appropriate BUD transition route.
- Timing
- EMF consolidated into BUD on 1 July 2026. Eligible activities had to finish by 30 June 2026 and claims are generally due within 60 calendar days.
- Fee basis
- Information review or support is quoted separately; historic subsidy rates are not HKBSCL fees.The initial scope review is free. We aim to issue a written quotation within two business days after receiving the required information.
- What you receive
- A deadline and evidence checklist with a clear separation between an existing EMF claim and a new BUD project.
- What you prepare
- Activity date and claim status, invoices, receipts, payments, supplier and activity evidence, company records and the next project plan.
- Who makes the final decision
- The Trade and Industry Department decides eligibility and reimbursement and may request more evidence or adjust support.
More details
- What you receive
- A deadline and evidence checklist with a clear separation between an existing EMF claim and a new BUD project.
- What you prepare
- Activity date and claim status, invoices, receipts, payments, supplier and activity evidence, company records and the next project plan.
- Who makes the final decision
- The Trade and Industry Department decides eligibility and reimbursement and may request more evidence or adjust support.
Your next step
Send the activity completion date, submission status and records, or outline the new BUD project. We will identify the correct deadline and route.
EMF status
The Export Marketing Fund was consolidated into the BUD Fund on 1 July 2026. New funding planning should start from the current BUD route.
Final claim window
Only otherwise eligible promotion activities completed on or before 30 June 2026 can be considered under the final EMF arrangements, with reimbursement deadlines calculated from activity completion.
BUD transition
Future export-promotion, exhibition, branding, upgrading, and market-development projects should be checked against BUD Fund and Easy BUD rules.
What changed with EMF?
EMF supported non-listed Hong Kong enterprises with substantive business operations in Hong Kong for eligible export-promotion activities. It was consolidated into BUD on 1 July 2026, so final EMF reimbursement matters must be kept separate from new funding plans.
- Historical EMF funding was generally provided on a 1:3 government-to-enterprise matching basis, capped at HK$100,000 per application.
- Each enterprise could receive EMF support up to a cumulative ceiling of HK$1,000,000.
- Covered activities included exhibitions, business missions, trade publication advertisements, electronic platform or media promotion, and corporate website or mobile app setup or enhancement.
- The special expanded scope and relaxed eligibility ran until 30 June 2026.
Final EMF reimbursement checks
For existing EMF matters, the practical question is whether the activity and application still fit the final processing window.
Planning after EMF
Enterprises seeking fresh support should review BUD Fund and Easy BUD requirements before committing costs, suppliers, or project scope.
Activity completion date
Only otherwise eligible promotion activities completed on or before 30 June 2026 can be considered under the final EMF arrangement.
Submission deadline
A reimbursement application is due within 60 calendar days after activity completion. For an activity completed on 30 June 2026, the deadline is 29 August 2026, Hong Kong time; if a deadline is not a working day, proper receipt is required by the preceding working day.
Complete and timely claims
TID processes timely applications for eligible activities subject to completeness and scheme assessment. A complete valid application is normally processed within 30 clear working days; complex or incomplete cases take longer.
Use official BUD guidance
HKPC is the BUD Fund Implementer. The current BUD website lists application routes, cut-off dates, contact details, and important applicant notes.
Check Easy BUD fit
Easy BUD continues to support suitable projects such as exhibitions and activities targeting markets outside Hong Kong, subject to current rules and funding ceilings.
Keep decision records
Before spending, keep clear records of project purpose, target market, supplier selection, expected deliverables, invoices, and payment evidence.
How HKBSCL can help
We provide information and coordination support so your team can understand the remaining EMF position and prepare a cleaner BUD transition discussion.
Status Review
Clarify whether your EMF matter is a final reimbursement follow-up or a new funding plan.
- Review activity dates and application status
- Check basic eligibility indicators
- Identify missing follow-up documents
Document Coordination
Organize the records usually needed to discuss a claim or funding project clearly.
- Invoices, receipts, and payment records
- Supplier and activity evidence
- Company and business operation records
BUD Transition
Prepare your team to review BUD or Easy BUD as the current funding route.
- Map old EMF ideas to current BUD categories
- Flag project-scope and timing questions
- Coordinate next steps with official resources
Official Resources
Check the latest government and regulatory guidance relevant to this service before making filing, compliance, or planning decisions.
Trade and Industry Department - SME Export Marketing Fund
Review TID's official EMF status page, including eligibility, funding scope, ceilings, and consolidation into the BUD Fund.
Visit official site
SME Export Marketing Fund - FAQ
Check the official EMF FAQ for final reimbursement timing, processing status, and historical funding rules.
Visit official site
Hong Kong Productivity Council - BUD Fund
Access the current BUD Fund route for enterprises seeking funding after EMF consolidation.
Visit official site
Related services to consider
These links help connect the current topic with nearby company, tax, banking, and compliance support. They are not a substitute for professional advice on your actual circumstances.
Need help reviewing an EMF or BUD funding question?
Tell us the activity date, application status, and intended next project. We can help you organize the facts before you act.
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