CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
CITES aims to regulate international trade in endangered species to protect wildlife from over-exploitation or extinction. It requires control over the import and export of the species listed in its three Appendices. Since it was signed in 1973, there are currently more than 180 contracting parties.
Depending on the degree of threat posed by international trade, CITES classifies over 30,000 endangered species of animals and plants into three categories:
Appendix I includes over 800 highly endangered species threatened with extinction. Commercial trade in specimens of these species is prohibited.
Appendix II includes over 32 000 species which are not presently threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is controlled. Their trade is allowed but subject to licensing controls.
Appendix III includes the species identified by any party to CITES as requiring cooperation in controlling their trade. Their trade is subject to permits or certificates of origin.
The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (the Ordinance), Cap.586, is the local legislation which gives effect to CITES in Hong Kong. The Ordinance stipulates that a licence to be issued in advance by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is required for the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export or possession of specimens of a scheduled species, whether alive, dead, its parts or derivatives (including medicines). Any person contravening the licensing requirements of the Ordinance will be prosecuted and may be subject to a maximum fine of HKD 10 million and imprisonment for 10 years on conviction.