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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 21) reminded people not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places.
Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), the import, export, re-export and possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, are subject to control under a licensing system. Any person found guilty of contravening the licensing requirements, even for non-commercial purposes, is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction.
An AFCD spokesman noted that a total of 241 seizures were made at customs checkpoints from January to November this year.
"As some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, import and export of such species are regulated under an international convention. Some commonly encountered examples are ivory, dried seahorse, red sandalwood, and orchids including artificially propagated species such as Moth Orchid," said the spokesman.
As the Christmas and New Year holidays are drawing near, the spokesman urged travellers to pay more attention when buying plant and animal products as souvenirs abroad.
"It is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are from endangered species since there are numerous endangered species controlled and the controlled list is regularly updated. People are advised not to buy such items if they are not sure if the items are subject to control," said the spokesman.
For details on the import of endangered species, please call 1823 or visit the website (www.cites.hk).
Ends/Saturday, December 21, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:00
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