Press Releases

Public reminded not to bring unlicenced endangered species into HK
Monday, March 25, 2002

Members of the public are reminded not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a licence on their return from visits to other places, a spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (March 25).

"The public should pay more attention when buying wildlife products as souvenirs when they are on a trip. As some of these plant and animal species are under the threat of extinction, trading of these species is regulated," he said.

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

"According to our enforcement data, the number of prosecution cases involving tourist items has increased from 33 cases in 1999 to 119 cases in 2001.

"As it is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are made of endangered species, members of the public are advised not to purchase such items if they are in doubt. Moreover, they should not rely on others' assurance that licences are not required for certain endangered species because they may not be given the accurate and updated information," the spokesman said.

Items commonly seized from visitors at checkpoints include American Ginseng root, orchids, cacti and meat and products made from crocodiles.

"Any person contravening the licensing requirements of the Ordinance will be prosecuted and may be subject to a maximum fine of $5,000,000, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction," he added.

For details, the public may call AFCD's Endangered Species Protection Division on 2150 6999 or visit the department's website on http://www.afcd.gov.hk/con_new/homepage.htm.