TNAG-2130-FCO40-3045-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 27

Mini Isı

-8 MAR 1990

PS/Mr Sainsbury

.an

From: Julian Evans MAED

Date: 22 February. 1990

CC: Mr Fraser

Mr Holroyd HKD

HONG KONG IVORY

1.

Mr Sainsbury has asked, on his copy of Mr Fraser's minute of 21 February to the Secretary of State, whether Hong Kong has banned imports of ivory. It has been agreed that MAED should reply.

2. Hong Kong banned imports of raw ivory in June 1989 and worked ivory in November 1989 and the ban remains in force during the period of the Reservation. Export licences are granted only when proof of Legal acquisition is available. When the Reservation is withdrawn on 18 July movements of ivory must be in accordance with the strict controls required under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This means that only personal possessions, antiques etc can be imported and exported.

3. To prevent any illegal trade in ivory Hong Kong has introduced a number of controls, in addition to the import ban and export licensing. These include possession licences for quantities over 5kg, registration of movements of ivory between traders, the establishment of a Customs task force, and increasing fines five-fold.

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Julian Evans

Maritime, Aviation and Environment Department

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