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are safe. It also has a responsibility to protect consumers from fraudulent traders who offer goods of deceptive weights and measures or products made of gold and platinum that have deceptive markings. In 2007, the department carried out 3 525 spot checks and 1 161 investigations.

The Government Laboratory provides analytical and advisory services to the Customs and Excise Department in the enforcement of the consumer protection legislation. In 2007, the laboratory carried out 26 365 tests on toys, children's products and consumer goods to determine whether they complied with relevant safety standards. The laboratory also determined the weight of retailed goods and conducted on-site verification of traders' balances in support of the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Ordinance. In 2007, the laboratory carried out about 5 000 tests to examine the fineness of gold articles and the represented composition of other commodities, most of which were related to the investigation of fraudulent trade practices under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Review of Legislation on Consumer Protection

During the year, a two-stage review on our consumer protection regime was carried out. The Stage | Review was undertaken by the Government in conjunction with the Consumer Council, Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Travel Industry Council. The review identified priority legislative amendments to combat false and misleading trade descriptions, which were introduced into the Legislative Council in early 2008. The Stage II Review was carried out by the Consumer Council. It was a comprehensive review on the consumer protection regulatory regime in Hong Kong.

Trade in Endangered Species

The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance implements the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). It regulates the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of endangered species. The commercial import, export and re-export of highly endangered species are prohibited, and international trade in less endangered species is subject to licensing requirements.

The ordinance is administered by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, and enforced by both the department and the Customs and Excise Department. It provides for penalties of a maximum fine of $5 million and imprisonment of up to two years. In 2007, a total of 24 439 licences and certificates were issued and 129 prosecutions were conducted.

Websites

Commerce and Economic Development Bureau: www.cedb.gov.hk (links to related departments and agencies)

Hong Kong Consumer Council: www.consumer.org.hk Environment Bureau: www.enb.gov.hk