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COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction. In connection with the implementation of the convention, the Government has drawn up the Chemical Weapons (Convention) Bill. During the drafting of the bill, the Laboratory provided advice on technical issues, and it will also be called upon to provide technical expertise required for the eventual enforcement of the law. The Laboratory regularly offered analytical and technical advisory services to the Trade and Industry Department and the Customs and Excise Department regarding the classification of commodities under the Import and Export (Strategic Commodities) Regulations.
Parts and products of endangered species were examined to assist the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department in the enforcement of the Animal and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. In the Laboratory's pursuit of scientific excellence in the field, a novel analytical method employing a sophisticated electrospray ionisation mass spectrometer was successfully applied in the identification of bear gall bladder parts or bile in medicinal products. The Laboratory continued to provide an analytical service for the identification of Tibetan antelope hair in samples of 'shahtoosh' shawls to help in the conservation of this highly endangered animal species.