ENG-1992 — Page 115

INDUSTRY AND TRADE

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origin, textile import and export controls, import and export licensing controls of strategic and reserved commodities, weights and measures and other consumer protection pro- grammes. It also verifies and assesses import and export declarations.

Consistent with its obligations under international conventions and trade agreements, Hong Kong enforces an effective origin certification and licensing control system on import and export of textiles and clothing products and strategic commodities. The branch works closely with the Trade Department to ensure the integrity of the system.

To tackle the growing incidence of country of origin fraud and illegal transhipments in textile trade, the branch has established a special task force to conduct more physical checks on textile imports and exports and keep vigil over suspected consignments and traders and cargo forwarders involved in illegal transhipment.

The branch has continued to play an active role in enforcing weights and measures legislation. In addition to investigating complaints of short weights and measures, it has initiated spot checks with a view to deterring the fraudulent use of inaccurate weighing and measuring equipment as well as the sale of prepackaged foodstuffs with incorrect weights or quantities. The branch will also be responsible for the enforcement of the Toys and Children's Products Safety Bill when enacted.

Trade in Endangered Species

In Hong Kong, the importation, exportation and possession of endangered species of animals and plants, including parts and derivatives, are strictly regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance which gives effect to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The licensing policy follows closely the principles of the convention. Commercial trade in highly-endangered species is prohibited and trade in less endangered species is subject to strict licensing requirements.

The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and enforced by officers of the department and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at entry points, markets, shops and restaurants, as well as inspection of endangered species shipments. All suspected offences are thoroughly investigated and prosecutions follow if there is evidence of a breach of the ordinance. During 1992, there were 297 seizures and 153 prosecutions under the ordinance.

Government Supplies Department

The Government Supplies Department is the Government's central organisation for procurement and supply of stores and equipment required by government departments and certain subvented agencies.

Since 1979 the department has represented the Hong Kong Government as an entity in the Agreement on Government Procurement of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Under the agreement, except for special requirements, all purchases exceeding Special Drawing Rights 130 000 (HK$1,370,000 in 1992) are widely advertised and open to competitive bidding internationally. All purchases, ranging from simple office sundries to complex computer systems, are made entirely on the basis of 'best value for money', regardless of the source of supply. Due to its open procurement policy, goods and services are purchased from over 40 countries and some 4000 registered local and overseas suppliers.

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