Skip to content

Uniform Review for Service Members of the Customs and Excise Department

Bureau / Department Customs and Excise Department (C&ED)
Objective To improve the overall safety standards and quality of C&ED's uniform items, to better utilise government resources and to formulate long-term uniform policies for C&ED.
Content Uniform Review Meetings are held biannually with a view to collecting feedback on uniform items and accoutrements from staff associations and frontline officers of different genders.

Having considered the difference of body shape between male and female officers, C&ED always makes adequate adjustments on the design and suitable modifications to the material to meet the different needs of officers. For example:
  • Holster - a curvier design of holster is provided for female officers while a less curvy design is provided for male officers due to their different hip shapes;
  • Overall - to raise the neckline of the overall dress for female officers;
  • White Shirt - study is being conducted on the material used with respect to the thickness, transparency and permeability of the material in order to suit the needs of both genders;
  • High Heel Shoes - height of heel is suitably adjusted and softer material is used to provide comfort for female officers during standing;
  • Female officers in the rank of Senior Inspector and below may replace one of the two summer skirts with a pair of summer trousers according to the needs of their posting.
Groups / Persons Affected Male and female Service members of C&ED
Impact The needs of both male and female officers have been taken into consideration in the procurement of uniform items and accoutrements. Samples of uniform items and accoutrements were ordered and distributed to female and male officers of various formations for testing. After the testing, they had to provide feedback on the occupational safety, design, durability and comfort in wearing so that the right uniform items could be identified for procurement.

Uniform Review Meetings are held biannually to collect feedback on uniform items and accoutrements from the frontline officers of different genders. The meetings comprised representatives of staff associations and officers of different formations. The needs and concerns of female and male officers were taken into account in the design and procurement of uniform items to suit their operational needs. The meetings will be held as a standing practice to incorporate more gender perspectives. C&ED will continue to look for improvement in the provision of the uniform items and accoutrements to meet the specific needs of different genders.
Success Factor / Lessons Learned The opinions and feedback of both female and male officers on uniform items and accoutrements are important in the procurement of the right items to suit their needs. The Uniform Review Meetings provide a platform for officers of different genders to voice out their opinions on a regular basis. Gender awareness and sensitivity of staff involved in the procurement of uniform items and accoutrements has been enhanced.