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safety standards. The laboratory also determined the weight of retailed goods and conducted on-site investigations on verification of traders' balances and Liquefied Petroleum Gas dispensers in support of the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Ordinance. In the year, the laboratory carried out some 2 167 tests to examine the fineness of gold articles and the represented composition of other commodities in relation to the investigation of fraudulent trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
Review of Legislation on Consumer Protection
To combat misleading and undesirable sales practices in order to boost consumer confidence, the Legislative Council passed the Trade Descriptions (Amendment) Ordinance 2008 during the year. The Consumer Council submitted a review report entitled 'Fairness in the Marketplace for Consumers and Business' in early 2008. The Government is reviewing the consumer protection regime in Hong Kong in the light of the council's recommendations.
Trade in Endangered Species
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It regulates the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of endangered species. The commercial import, export and re-export 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, and enforced by both the department and the Customs and Excise Department. It provides for penalties of a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment of up to two years. In 2008, a total of 22 152 licences and certificates were issued and 108 prosecutions were conducted.
Websites
Commerce and Economic Development Bureau: www.cedb.gov.hk (links to related departments and agencies)
Hong Kong Consumer Council: www.consumer.org.hk
Environment Bureau: www.enb.gov.hk