Chan Tsz-tat, one of Hong Kong’s deputy commissioners of customs, has been appointed the new Commissioner of Customs and Excise. Chan, 54, succeeds Louise Ho Pui-shan, who retired on Tuesday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 57 for the disciplined services.
The appointment, effective immediately, was approved by Beijing’s State Council based on the recommendation of Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, according to news agency Xinhua.
Ho, who became the first woman to lead one of Hong Kong’s six disciplined services, joined the Customs and Excise Department as an inspector in 1991. Rising steadily through the ranks, she was promoted to superintendent in 2010, senior superintendent in 2013, assistant commissioner in 2017, and deputy commissioner in 2019.
During her tenure, Ho played a significant role in fostering international cooperation. Earlier this month, she led delegations to South Africa and Saudi Arabia to attend the World Customs Organization (WCO) meeting and negotiate cooperation agreements. In June, Ho represented Hong Kong at the 143rd and 144th sessions of the Customs Cooperation Council in Brussels, where her department was elected as the WCO vice-chairperson for the Asia-Pacific region. This position, held from July 2023 to June 2026, involves advancing regional development agendas and coordinating regional affairs.
Chan brings extensive experience to his new role. Joining the department in 1994 as an inspector, he has held various key positions. In 2008, he was seconded to the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau to promote Hong Kong as a wine trading hub. By 2011, he headed the customs’ syndicate crimes investigation bureau and later led the service prosecution group in 2013.
In 2016, Chan became the senior staff officer for information technology and subsequently the head of the ports and maritime command in 2017. Promoted to assistant commissioner in January 2019, Chan managed boundary and port operations before assuming responsibility for intelligence and investigation in May 2020. He was elevated to deputy commissioner in October 2021, overseeing management and strategic development.
Ho’s departure marks the end of a distinguished career. Meanwhile, Chan assumes leadership of the 7,500-strong Customs and Excise Department, tasked with maintaining its international reputation and addressing emerging challenges in customs and excise enforcement.
**rvt/pgh**