Press Releases
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Public reminded not to bring unlicenced orchids into Hong Kong Members of the public are reminded not to bring orchids 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 (February 6). "Illegal import of orchids was commonly found among travelers returning from mainland China particularly around the Chinese New Year. A total of 25 seizures of orchids were made at customs checkpoints during the two weeks before the Chinese New Year. The same number of seizure was made for the same period last year. "Some people like to buy orchids from other places as souvenirs when they are on a trip. As orchid is under the threat of extinction, import and export of the species are regulated by the Government," the spokesman said. Under the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, trade in highly endangered wild orchids, such as slipper orchids, is prohibited. The import, export or possession of other wild orchids, including their parts and derivatives, requires a licence, which must be obtained in advance from the AFCD. As for artificially propagated orchids including their parts and derivatives, prior to the import and export of these items, they also require a valid export permit issued by the exporting country. Any person contravening the above provisions is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million, two-year imprisonment and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction, the spokesman added. For enquiries, please call AFCD's Endangered Species Protection Division on 2150 6999 or visit the related website on www.cites.org.hk.
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