Prohibition on Certain Uses of the Flags and Emblems
All individuals and organisations should respect and cherish the national flag, national emblem, regional flag and the regional emblem. As such, the flags and emblems which are damaged, defiled, faded or substandard must not be displayed or used. They must not be displayed upside down, and must not be displayed or used in any way that undermines their dignity. They must also be manufactured in accordance with their specifications set out in the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance and the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance.
The national flag, national emblem, regional flag, regional emblem or their designs must not be displayed or used in trademarks, registered designs or commercial advertisements. In addition, the national flag or its design must not be displayed or used in private funeral activities, and the national emblem or its design must not be displayed or used in products in everyday life and furnishings or ornaments in everyday life, or private activities of celebration or condolence. Except with the prior approval of the Chief Executive, the regional flag, the regional emblem or their designs must not be displayed or used in funeral activities. It is an offence to use the flags or emblems contrary to these prohibitions.
A person commits an offence if the person publicly and intentionally desecrates the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem by burning, mutilating, scrawling on, defiling or trampling on it or its image or in any other way. Furthermore, a person commits an offence if, with intent to desecrate the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem, the person intentionally publishes a desecration of the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem by burning, mutilating, scrawling on, defiling or trampling on it or its image or in any other way.
For details of the offence provisions, please refer to the respective Ordinances.
Applying for Using the Flags and Emblems
A person shall not use the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem or their designs in connection with any trade, calling or profession, or the logo, seal or badge of any non-governmental organisation, except with prior approval. Prior application to the Administration Wing for securing the relevant approval should be made in writing to the following address –
Administration Wing, Chief Secretary for Administration's Office
25/F, Central Government Offices,
2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong
[Attn.: Executive Officer(General)2]
Tel. no.: 2525 5477
Fax no.: 2804 6552
Email: flags&emblems@cso.gov.hk