The Government gazetted today (October 16) the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 3) Order 2026 (the Amendment Order) to amend Schedules 1 and 3 to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) (the Ordinance) so as to implement the latest list of endangered species subject to control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties was held in November and December 2025, at which Appendices I and II to CITES were amended, updating the list of endangered species subject to control.

     A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that CITES is implemented in Hong Kong through the Ordinance and hence the Ordinance is updated from time to time in light of the latest requirements of CITES. The Amendment Order aims to give effect to the latest regulations of CITES on the controlled species.

     The Amendment Order mainly reflects the addition, removal and other changes of species listed in the Appendices to CITES, and involves a number of species of sharks, manta rays and devil rays, wood and ornamental plants, etc. Major amendments are set out in the Annex.

     Under the Ordinance, except with exemptions or otherwise specified, the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea, possession or control of specimens of scheduled species, including their parts and derivatives, are subject to licensing control. The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026, for negative vetting, and the new control measures will come into effect on December 31, 2026, with the effective date for some species deferred to June 5, 2027, pursuant to the decisions adopted at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties. A Licence to Possess must be obtained within the three-month grace period (i.e. on or before March 30, 2027) for the possession of specimens of Appendix I species or live specimens of wild origin of Appendix II species for commercial purposes. Local trading of the listed species which were already imported legally before the implementation of the new amendments can continue under licensing control. The AFCD will introduce to relevant traders and stakeholders the details of the amendments to the Ordinance through circular letters and briefing sessions.

     The spokesman said, "More endangered species will be included on the control list after the amendments to the Ordinance come into effect. This will help enhance protection of more endangered species and enable Hong Kong to make a contribution to nature conservation at an international level."

     The spokesman reminded the public that it is illegal for any person to import, export or possess any endangered species without a required licence. Offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of a $10 million fine and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction. The specimens will also be forfeited. For licensing requirements for the species listed on different appendices, please visit the website: www.cites.hk. For enquiries, please contact the AFCD through email (hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk) or call 1823.

Ends/Friday, October 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 9:25

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