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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.


Guidelines on the Use of the designs of the National Flag, National Emblem, Regional Flag and Regional Emblem

When using the designs of the national flag, national emblem, regional flag and regional emblem, the applicant shall ensure that –

  1. The length/height ratio of the design of the national flag or regional flag shall be 3 to 2;
  2. The use of the design of the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem shall strictly comply with the respective specifications as stipulated in the National Flag and National Emblem Ordinance and the Regional Flag and Regional Emblem Ordinance;
  3. The design of the national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem should be placed at appropriate and more prominent position (such as the designs of the flags and emblems shall be visibly larger than other logos by length and height, visibly higher than other logos or texts, and shall be clearly shown); and
  4. When the designs of the national flag and the regional flag are used at the same time, the design of the national flag shall be placed at a higher or more prominent position. The design of the regional flag shall be smaller than the design of the national flag, with the design of the national flag on the right and the design of the regional flag on the left. For the use of the national flag and regional flag inside a building, ‘left’ and ‘right’ sides of the flags are ascertained by reference to a person standing with his back to the backing wall of the flags and looking forward. For the use of the national flag and regional flag outside a building, ‘left’ and ‘right’ sides of the flags are ascertained by reference to a person standing in front of the building and looking towards the front entrance of the building.

Examples of the Use of the designs of the National Flag and Regional Flag on publicity items / printed materials for events (for reference only)

Correct Usage

  • The length/height ratio of the designs of the national flag and regional flag is 3 to 2 (e.g. Length 144cm x Height 96cm, Length 96cm x Height 64cm)
  • The design of the national flag is placed at a higher or more prominent position with the design of the regional flag smaller than the national flag.
  • The designs of the national flag and regional flag are visibly larger than other logos by length and height, and visibly higher than other logos or texts.
  • The designs of the national flag and regional flag are clearly shown in mock-up image of high resolution (the designs of the national flag and regional flag can be downloaded at the website of the Protocol Division)

(1) Examples of backdrop design (for indoor event)

Example (1)(a)

Example (1)(b)

Example (1)(c)

(2) Examples of backdrop design (for outdoor event)

Example (2)(a)

Example (2)(b)

Example (2)(c)

WRONG Usage

  • The designs of the national flag and regional flag should not be lower than other logos.
  • The designs of the national flag and regional flag should not be smaller than other logos by length and height.
  • When the designs of the national flag and regional flag are used at the same time, the design of the regional flag should not be larger than, or in the same size of the national flag.
  • The length/height ratio of the designs of the national flag and regional flag is not 3 to 2

(3) Examples of WRONG backdrop design (for indoor event)

Example (3)

(4) Examples of WRONG backdrop design (for outdoor event)

Example (4)



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


See Also