ENG-1999 — Page 158

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

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and uniformity in customs procedures world-wide. The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department takes part actively in WCO business. It also participates in the organisation's Policy Commission.

At its Council Sessions held in Brussels in June, the WCO adopted an Integrity Action Plan and approved the revised text of the Kyoto Convention which will serve as the blueprint for customs procedures in the next century.

Following the handover of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) for the Asia Pacific Region to the Japanese Customs Administration in January, the department seconded an officer to the RILO in Tokyo for two years to assist in its operation. The secondment represents the department's continued support for regional customs co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.

Trade in Endangered Species

Imports, exports and possession of endangered species are regulated by the Animals and Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance, which implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Licensing policy follows the CITES principles closely. Commercial imports and exports of highly endangered species are prohibited, and trade in less-endangered species is subject to licensing requirements.

This ordinance was administered in 1999 by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD), and enforced by both the AFD and the Customs and Excise Department through checking at entry points, markets, shops and restaurants. All suspected offences were investigated and prosecutions instituted if there was evidence of a breach. The ordinance provides for penalties up to a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment for two years.

On July 8, an intelligence unit was set up in the Agriculture and Fisheries Department to encourage members of the public to provide information and to report offences in relation to illegal trade in endangered species. A monetary reward scheme has also been set up under the administration of the department's director. The Government assisted the CITES Secretariat in holding a Regional Enforcement Training Seminar in Hong Kong in December.

Intellectual Property

The intellectual property regime in the HKSAR is in full compliance with international standards and norms. The Intellectual Property Department runs the Trade Marks, Patents and Designs Registries, makes recommendations on the policy and legislation related to intellectual property protection, provides civil intellectual property legal advice to government bureaux and departments, and promotes public awareness and respect of intellectual property rights.

Trade Marks

The Trade Marks Registry is a registry of original registration in respect of both goods and services. Every mark must satisfy the requirements of the Trade Marks Ordinance before it may be accepted for registration in HKSAR. The procedure in applying for registration is laid down in the Trade Marks Rules. During 1999, 19 885 applications were received, of which 14 647 were in respect of goods and 5 238 in