Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 fully implemented today
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A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said, "The Government is committed to the protection of endangered species, including elephants. Species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) are regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (the Ordinance) in Hong Kong. All Licences to Possess for ivory expired on or before December 30 this year. Local ivory trade has been prohibited starting from today, except for antique ivory."
According to the Ordinance, antique elephant ivory means:
- a piece of elephant ivory that was, before July 1, 1925:
- removed from the wild;
- significantly altered from its natural state for jewellery, adornment, art, utility or musical instruments; and
- acquired by a person after the alteration in such altered state that required no further carving, crafting or processing to effect its purpose; and
Traders possessing antique ivory for commercial purposes must prove that the ivory meets the above-mentioned definition of antique ivory. Examples of acceptable proof of antique ivory include a qualified appraisal or scientifically approved aging methods carried out by an accredited laboratory or facility.
The spokesman said that any person importing, re-exporting or possessing elephant ivory not in accordance with the Ordinance will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction. The specimens will also be forfeited.
At the same time, the AFCD, the Customs and Excise Department, and relevant government departments will remain vigilant and continue enforcement against smuggling and illegal trade of ivory.
For more details about the ban on local elephant ivory trade and the control of endangered species, please visit www.cites.hk or call 1823.
Ends/Friday, December 31, 2021
Issued at HKT 9:00
Issued at HKT 9:00
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