INDUSTRY AND TRADE
The branch works closely with the Trade Department in the enforcement of the origin certification and licensing control of textiles and strategic commodities. These enforcement activities are undertaken to uphold the integrity of the control systems and to fulfil Hong Kong's obligations under international trade agreements.
During the year, the branch continued to maintain a high level of enforcement actions which resulted in successful prosecutions of dishonest traders violating the trade controls legislation. It also co-operated with overseas authorities in combating customs-type commercial frauds.
In the field of consumer protection, the branch conducted frequent spot-checks on weighing and measuring equipment used by traders and investigated complaints related to short weights or measures. Surprise inspections of gold and jewellery shops were carried out in order to ensure that the content of gold or platinum was correctly marked.
In addition, further progress has been made with preparations for the introduction of safety controls on toys and children's products in 1992.
Trade in Endangered Species
In Hong Kong, the importation, exportation and possession of endangered species of animals and plants, including parts and derivatives are strictly regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The licensing policy follows closely the principles of the convention. Commercial trade in highly-endangered species is prohibited and trade in less-endangered species is subject to strict licensing requirements.
The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and enforced by officers of the department and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at entry points, markets, shops and restaurants, as well as inspection of endangered species shipments. All suspected offences are thoroughly investigated and prosecutions follow if there is evidence of a breach of the ordinance. During 1991, there were 292 seizures and 153 prosecutions under the ordinance.
Government Supplies Department
The Government Supplies Department is the Government's central organisation for procurement and distribution of supplies required by 55 government departments and nine agencies.
Since 1979, the department has represented the Hong Kong Government as an entity in the Agreement on Government Procurement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Under the agreement, except for special requirements, all purchases exceeding Special Drawing Rights 130 000 (HK$1,338,000 in 1991) are widely advertised and open to competitive bidding. All purchases, ranging from simple office sundries to complex computer systems, are made entirely on the basis of best value for money, regardless of the source of supply. Due to its open procurement policy, goods and services are purchased from over 40 countries and some 4 000 registered local and overseas suppliers.
To ensure continuity of supply, the department maintains goods which are generally required by other departments in its main stores in Hong Kong and Kowloon and five sub-stores specially established to serve the engineering workshops. It also seconds supplies staff to other departments to ensure a professional approach to acquisition and maintenance of supply.
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