COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
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February and September 2000, the department attended two rounds of CTI and SCCP meetings held in Brunei.
To achieve its objectives, SCCP member economies are working on a Collective Action Plan (CAP) by taking fully into consideration the FACTS Guiding Principles - Facilitation, Accountability, Consistency, Transparency and Simplification. Among the 13 CAP items, Singapore and Hong Kong are the co-ordinators of the item on 'Transparency of Customs Procedures, including Information on Customs Laws, Regulations, Administrative Guidelines, Procedures and Rulings'. Hong Kong also partners Australia in leading a CAP item on 'Integrity'.
Regional Intelligence Liaison Office
Since January 1999, the Customs and Excise Department has seconded an officer to the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) in Tokyo to assist in its operation. The officer is mainly responsible for analysis of regional drug trends and for training officers of other customs administrations. The secondment represents the HKSAR's continued support for customs co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Trade in Endangered Species
Imports, exports and 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 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 entry 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.
To be more in line with the CITES requirements, amendments were made to the ordinance to extend controls to the international trade in artificially propagated endangered plant species and medicines made from highly endangered animal species. The new controls became effective on November 16.
Four display cabinets were set up at the departure hall and the arrival hall of the Hong Kong International Airport to advise travellers of the import and export control measures. Posters and some tourist souvenirs made from endangered species that were seized in past operations are also exhibited there.
Intellectual Property Department
The Government is committed to protecting intellectual property rights. This commitment is underpinned by a respect for private economic rights and a recognition of the importance of a robust protection regime for intellectual property rights to Hong Kong's economic growth. The intellectual property regime in the HKSAR is in full compliance with international standards and norms. The HKSAR