Codes and regulations for the design of steel structures in Hong Kong were initially derived from the London Byelaws and then BS 449. In 1987 Hong Kong published its own code based on the permissible stress design for the use of structural steel. In recognition of the stated aim of The Government of The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to develop a technology driven and knowledge based society, the Hong Kong Buildings Department commissioned a Consultancy Study to carry out reviews of structural steel design practice in Hong Kong and overseas and to draft a new limit state code for the Structural Use of Steel using Limit State Approach.