1. Is the e-Cert customer hotline still in service?

Yes. Customers can still call the hotline at 2921 6633.

2. Is the e-Cert web site still in service?

Yes. The web site is www.hongkongpost.gov.hk.

3. Can I apply for e-Cert at post office?

Yes. You can still apply for e-Cert at post office.

4. Is there any change to the e-Cert subscription fee?

There is no change to the e-Cert subscription fee.

5. The e-Cert service has been taken over by the contractor. Can I continue to use my existing e-Cert?

The contractor operates the e-Cert service on behalf of Hongkong Post. Customer can still use the existing e-Cert to enjoy the various online services as usual.

6. Will there be any changes in existing e-Cert services, procedures or service level?

The Contractor will maintain the existing e-Cert services, including the services offered at post office counters for processing e-Cert applications.

We will make announcement if there will be changes to the e-Cert services.

7. Has the contractor taken over all the personal data of the e-Cert users?

The Government still owns all the personal data of the e-Cert users.

The contractor is only responsible for operating and maintaining the Hongkong Post CA services.

To protect the personal data of the e-Cert users, the contractor has to follow the stringent data protection procedures and the requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance in processing the personal data.

The contractor will be allowed to use the personal data of e-Cert holders only in performance of its obligations under the contract for the provision of the e-Cert services. If the contractor is providing any value-added services, the e-Cert holders' consent will need to be sought on whether they wish to receive information about the services.

8. Can I still apply for embedding an e-Cert in Smart ID Card?

Yes. Citizens may apply for embedding an e-Cert in their smart ID card at one of our 20 designated post offices.

9. Are citizens still offered free smart ID e-Cert?

The free smart ID e-Cert offer has ended on 31 March 2007.

The free use period of personal Smart ID e-Certs issued on or before 31 March 2007 has been extended to 3 years, i.e. until the end of the 3-year validity period of the e-Certs.

As from 1 April 2007, all new applications for embedding e-Cert in Smart ID Card will be charged the normal subscription fee (i.e. HK$50 per year).

10. When will the free use period of my smart ID e-Cert expire?

The free use period of personal Smart ID e-Certs issued on or before 31 March 2007 has been extended to 3 years, i.e. until the end of the 3-year validity period of the e-Certs.

11. Can I renew or re-apply another e-Cert on Smart ID Card when its 3-year validity period expires?

Yes. You can do so at one of the 20 designated post offices.

12. Can I remove the e-Cert from my Smart ID Card?

Customers can go to the 20 designated post offices to request for removal of their e-Cert on smart ID cards.

Alternatively, if you personal computer has been installed with a suitable smart card reader, you can make use of the e-Cert Control Manager software to remove the e-Cert in the smart ID card.

13. Will there be further promotion activities for e-Cert?

We will make announcement if there will be further promotion activities for e-Cert.