According to early government records,[3] the first set of census results were published in the 2nd issue of H.K.
In its place a Statistics Branch was set up in the then Commerce and Industry Department headed by C. T. Stratton.
In 1963, Barnett was appointed Commissioner of Census and Statistical Planning in an office forming part of the then Colonial Secretariat with the immediate task of preparing a report on the statistics in Hong Kong and subsequently the further task of conducting a by-census in 1966.
It was only following recommendations made by Barnett that the Census and Statistics Department was formally established in 1967 December.
First set of production-based Gross Domestic Product estimates for all major economic sectors published, covering the period 1980–82.
The Census and Statistics Ordinance amended, enhancing protection of confidentiality of data supplied by individual persons and firms in surveys.
First set of Gross National Product (GNP) estimates for Hong Kong released.
The Government of the People's Republic of China resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong on 1 July 1997.
On this date, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was formed under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle.
First set of complete Balance of Payments account for Hong Kong released.
Mrs Lily Ou-yang succeeded Mr Fung Hing-wang as Commissioner for Census and Statistics with effect from 24 September 2011.
[8] Mr Leslie Tang Wai-kong succeeded Mrs Lily Ou-yang as Commissioner for Census and Statistics with effect from 11 May 2014.
[9] Ms Marion Chan Sui-yu succeeded Mr Leslie Tang Wai-kong as Commissioner for Census and Statistics with effect from 26 July 2019.
The main law governing the work of the C&SD is the Census and Statistics Ordinance, which provides for the taking of a census of population and the collection, compilation and publication of statistical information concerning Hong Kong and for matters connected therewith.
The Ordinance also provides strict safeguards on the confidentiality of data pertaining to individuals or undertakings.
Science and Technology Statistics on penetration and usage of information technology in the business sector, research and development expenditure and personnel, business receipts from selling goods, services or information through electronic means etc.
Transport, Communications and Tourism Cargo throughput, motor vehicle licensed, public transport passenger journeys, movements of aircraft and ocean vessels, arrivals and departures of passengers, statistics on telecommunication and internet services, visitor arrivals, etc.
Environment, Climate and Geography Water consumption, air quality statistics, air pollutants and greenhouse gases emission inventory, quantities of solid waste disposed, monthly weather summary, land usages, etc.