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AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally (with photos)
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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (January 16) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places.

     A spokesman for the AFCD said, "As some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, is subject to control under a licensing system."

     Any person who contravenes the said Ordinance, even for non-commercial purposes, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000,000 and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited. More than 340 seizures were made at customs checkpoints in 2022. The specimens involved include American ginseng, orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), dried seahorses, leather products of reptiles, etc.

     "As the Chinese New Year holiday approaches, members of the public should pay more attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy as souvenirs from other places outside Hong Kong are endangered species. As it might not be easy to identify the wildlife souvenirs as products of endangered species or not, members of the public are advised not to buy such items if they cannot ascertain whether the items are subject to control," the spokesman continued.

     The Government is committed to the protection of endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely and step up their enforcement work in combatting the illegal trade in endangered species. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.
 
Ends/Monday, January 16, 2023
Issued at HKT 11:15
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Today's Press Releases  

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The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (January 16) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places. Photo shows dried seahorses which are regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (January 16) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places. Photo shows artificially propagated orchids which are also regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (January 16) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places. Photo shows American ginseng which is among the most commonly seized regulated species.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department today (January 16) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places. Photo shows leather products of reptiles which are commonly seized.