Hong Kong Customs Seizes $2.3 Million in Endangered Shark Fins and Sea Cucumbers at Airport

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata

Hong Kong Customs on October 10 seized about 460 kilograms of suspected scheduled dried shark fins, 200kg of suspected scheduled dried sea cucumbers and 3 300 boxes of proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata, with a total estimated market value of about $2.3 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected an air consignment, declared as carrying household goods and arriving in Hong Kong from Indonesia, on that day. Upon inspection, the batch of dried shark fins, sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine suspected to be scheduled under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Ordinance) (Cap. 586), was found inside 33 carton boxes.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for follow-up action.

Under the Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited. For licensing requirements for the species listed on different appendices, members of the public may visit the website: www.cites.hk. For enquiries, please contact the AFCD through email (hk_cites@afcd.gov.hk) or call 1823.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled dried shark fins, dried sea cucumbers and proprietary Chinese medicine with ingredients of suspected scheduled Gastrodia Elata Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague

​The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) sponsored the 20th edition of the Filmasia Asian Film Festival (Filmasia), taking place from December 5 to 10 (Prague time) in Prague.

The Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Jenny Szeto, delivered her opening remarks before the screening of the opening film "Fly Me To The Moon", highlighting Hong Kong’s dedication to promoting cultural exchanges through movies.

"Hong Kong takes pride in its vibrant popular culture, which offers a unique window into our dynamic way of life and rich heritage. And that is why our Government places strong emphasis on promoting Hong Kong's cultural footprint, particularly through supporting the growth and international reach of our film industry. We have, for instance, increased funding support and established a dedicated scheme to foster film collaborations between Europe and Hong Kong. We also actively encourage and facilitate the participation of Hong Kong filmmakers in international festivals like Filmasia. This not only elevates the global visibility of Hong Kong cinema, but also celebrates the exceptional creativity and talent of our filmmakers," she said.

Filmasia is held annually in the first week of December, and the theme this year is "Women of Asian Cinema". Supported by HKETO Berlin, Sasha Chuk, the director of "Fly Me To The Moon", was invited to join the Festival and sharing session with the audience before the opening screening. Meanwhile, director Heiward Mak will join the screening of her film "Fagara" on December 6 (Prague time).

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in the Czech Republic as well as Austria, Germany, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKETO Berlin supports screenings of Hong Kong Films presented at FILMASIA 2024 in Prague Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases