AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong or purchase them online illegally (with photos)
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A spokesman for the AFCD said, "Some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, and the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES in Hong Kong. Under the Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and derivatives, is subject to control under a licensing system."
Any person who contravenes the Ordinance, even for non-commercial purposes, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, and the specimens will also be forfeited. More than 500 related seizures were made in 2025. The specimens seized included orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), American ginseng, dried seahorses, gastrodia, dendrobium and shark fins of scheduled shark species.
"As the Chinese New Year approaches, there have been a number of recent cases in which members of the public were intercepted by Hong Kong Customs for bringing orchids into Hong Kong from the Chinese Mainland. Members of the public should pay attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy from places outside Hong Kong (including those purchased online) are endangered species. It might not be easy to identify whether the wildlife products originate from endangered species. Therefore, 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 together and step up their enforcement in combating the illegal trade in endangered species. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.
Ends/Monday, February 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 11:20
Issued at HKT 11:20
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