TNAG-1955-FCO40-2784-Trade-of-rare-and-endangered-species-in-Hong-Kong-1989 — Page 184

4. The Hong Kong Government have already stated publicly that Hong

Kong will continue to support the aims and objectives of CITES and

have taken positive steps to combat illegal trading in ivory. Since 1978 they have controlled the import of raw and simply worked ivory.

In August 1988 they extended import licence controls to cover all forms of ivory. They have started to register and mark all raw

ivory and large cut pieces legally imported before January 1986. Since 1 January 1986 all stocks are already registered and marked.

Hong Kong now also has a special task force to investigate and supress illegal import and export of ivory through Hong Kong. On 9 June the Hong Kong Government announced their support for a ban on

the trade in new ivory and, have, pending the outcome of the CITES

meeting, suspended the issue of permits for the import of raw ivory

from all sources.