TNAG-2133-FCO40-3048-Hong-Kong-and-the-ivory-trade-1990 — Page 152

Background

References

A CITES: exemptions and other special

provisions relating to trade

B

Hong Kong telno 2197

1. The CITES Convention (Article VII para 3(a))

specifically excludes any exemptions for ivory which the

owner has acquired outside his state of usual residence.

2.

A loophole in Hong Kong legislation which would have allowed the export of ivory up to 5 kilos in weight as personal effects by visiting tourists will be closed on

18 July when the ban comes into effect. The Governor has

agreed to make the necessary amendment to the Exemption

Order.

3.

In some instances Hong Kong legislation will now be more

stringent than the CITES Convention. For example, the Hong

Kong legislation requires both possession and export

licenses in respect of items of ivory as personal effects of

5 kg or more in weight, although this is not a requirement

under the Convention.

4. The reservation in respect of Hong Kong will be withdrawn wef midnight on 17 July 1990, following the

delivery of a diplomatic note by our Embassy in Berne to the

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Swiss Confederation.

BRIAAT/2