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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 31) reminded people returning from visits to other places not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong, unless they have a licence.
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/or derivatives, requires a licence which must be obtained in advance from the AFCD. The legislation also applies to tourist items.
"A total of 69 seizures were made at customs checkpoints from January to February 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 are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, and the import and export of such species is regulated under an international convention. Commonly encountered examples include ivory, stony coral skeleton, orchids, cacti and pitcher plants.
"It is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are made from endangered species, so 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 is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction, the spokesman said.
For details, please call 1823 Call Centre or visit the website, www.cites.org.hk.
Ends/Saturday, March 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 11:01
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