Press Releases

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (December 17) reminded people returning from visits to other places not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a licence.

In collaboration with the Guangzhou Branch Office of the Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office of the People's Republic of China, a publicity event was held today at border control points and airports in Hong Kong and Guangdong to remind travellers about the control of import and export of endangered species. The event included shop inspection, display of panels and distribution of leaflets to travellers.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and derivatives, requires a licence which must be obtained in advance from the department. The control also applies to tourist items.

"A total of 253 seizures were made at customs checkpoints from January to November this year," a department spokesman said.

The spokesman urged travellers to pay more attention when buying wildlife products as souvenirs abroad. Some plant and animal species were facing the threat of extinction, so import and export of such species were regulated under an international convention. Commonly encountered examples include ivory, stony coral skeleton, orchids, cacti and pitcher plants.

"Since it is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are made of endangered species, people are advised not to purchase such items when in doubt," he said.

Any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing, even for non-commercial purposes, any endangered species without a licence was liable to a maximum fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens, the spokesman said.

For details, please call the Government hotline on 1823 or visit the related website, www.cites.org.hk.

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