Society

HK urges not to import endangered species

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-12-18 17:06

HONG KONG - The Hong Kong government reminded public on Saturday not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a license.

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Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants requires a license which must be obtained in advance, said the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the city government.

The control also applies to tourist items, said the department, who found a total of 236 cases of unlicensed endangered species' transportation at Customs checkpoints from January to November this year.

Travelers returning from visits should pay more attention when buying wildlife products as souvenirs abroad, a department spokesman said, who mentioned commonly encountered examples include ivory, stony coral skeleton, orchids, cacti and pitcher plants.

"Since it is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are made of endangered species, people are advised not to purchase such items when in doubt," the spokesman said.

Any person found guilty of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing, even for non-commercial purposes, any endangered species without a license is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 ($12,900), imprisonment for one year and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction, the spokesman said.