Press Releases

Public reminded not to bring unlicenced endangered species into HK
Monday, July 22, 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 (July 22).

"There has been an increase in the number of cases concerning travellers bringing back tourist items made from endangered species without licence. A total of 93 seizures were made at the customs checkpoints in the first six months of 2001 and the figure has reached 145 for the same period in 2002," the spokesman said.

Statistics showed that items commonly seized from travellers at customs checkpoints include orchid, cactus, American Ginseng root, crocodile meat and crocodile leather product.

The spokesman reminds the public to pay more attention when buying wildlife products as souvenirs when they are on tour abroad. As some of these plant and animal species are under the threat of extinction, import and export of these species is regulated under an international convention.

"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," 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.

Any person found guilty of importing, exporting or possessing any endangered species, without a licence issued by AFCD, is liable to a maximum fine of $5,000,000, imprisonment for two years and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction, the spokesman added.

For details, please call AFCD's Endangered Species Protection Division on 2150 6999 or visit the related website on www.cites.org.hk.