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Public reminded not to bring back endangered species
Members of the public are reminded not to bring back items of endangered species on their return from visits to other countries.
The appeal was made today (Sunday) by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) as the Christmas and New Year holidays approach.
An AFD spokesman pointed out that some of the returning travellers were at times found by Customs and Excise (C&E) officers at control points to have brought in endangered species.
Statistics indicate that items seized from travellers at checkpoints include specimens of sea turtles, crocodiles, and monitor lizards, as well as corals, pangolins, ivory, parrots, eagles, owls and controlled medicines.
He stressed that any person importing, exporting or possessing any endangered species, including their parts and derivatives, without a licence issued by AFD, would have contravened the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance. This control measure also applies to all individuals including travellers.
Under the ordinance, any person found guilty of importing a highly endangered species item without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and one year's imprisonment. If the import is for commercial purpose, the maximum penalties could be a $5 million fine plus two years in jail.
Highly endangered species include rhinos, tiger, most species of bear, all sea turtles and medicines containing or claiming to contain rhino or tiger ingredients.
The spokesman said that C&E officers kept close watch to passengers at checkpoints and AFD inspectors conducted checks at retail shops to guard against any smuggling and illegal sale of endangered species.
He reiterated the Government's continued efforts to combat illegal import, export and possession of endangered species and to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
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