Imports, exports or possession of endangered species are regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, which implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Licensing policy follows the CITES principles closely. Commercial imports and exports of highly endangered species are prohibited, and international trade in less-endangered species is subject to licensing requirements.

    The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), and enforced by both the AFCD and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at import and export control points, markets, shops and restaurants. All suspected offences are investigated and prosecutions instituted if there is evidence of a breach. The ordinance provides for penalties up to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Amendments are made to the ordinance to extend controls to additional endangered animal and plant species following decisions adopted at the regular Conference of Parties to CITES. The common species newly added to the ordinance include the hwamei (or melodious laughing thrush), Asian box turtles and two plants that have medicinal uses: Asian ginseng (items originating in the Russian Federation) and the desert-living cistanche. The new controls took effect on February 18, 2002.

Home Pages

Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau
and Commerce and Industry Branch: http://www.gov.hk/citb

(links to related departments and agencies)

Consumer Council: http://www.consumer.org.hk