AFCD Urges Public to Avoid Bringing Endangered Species into Hong Kong Without License

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (January 20) reminded members of the public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places.

A spokesman for the AFCD said, "As some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, the import and export of such species are regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) is the local legislation that gives effect to CITES in Hong Kong. Under the Ordinance, the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, is subject to control under a licensing system."

Any person who contravenes the Ordinance, even for non-commercial purposes, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $10,000,000 and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction and the forfeiture of the specimens. About 550 seizures were made in 2024. The specimens seized included live orchids (including artificially propagated species such as moth orchid), American ginseng, dried seahorses, gastrodia, dendrobium and shark fins of scheduled shark species.

"As the Chinese New Year holiday approaches, there have been a number of recent cases in which members of the public were intercepted for illegally bringing orchids into Hong Kong from the Mainland. Members of the public should pay attention to whether the plant and animal products they intend to buy from places outside Hong Kong are endangered species. It might not be easy to identify whether the wildlife products originate from endangered species. Therefore, members of the public are advised not to buy such items if they cannot ascertain whether the items are subject to control," the spokesman continued.

The Government is committed to the protection of endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely and step up their enforcement work in combating the illegal trade in endangered species. For information on endangered species, please call 1823 or visit www.cites.hk.

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds public not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong illegally Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chinese medicine sector fully supports residents affected by Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire by providing free Chinese medicine consultation services

The Health Bureau (HHB) announced today (December 14) that free Chinese medicine (CM) consultation services will be provided to residents affected by the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po starting tomorrow (December 15). In addition, various CM services will also be deployed to fully address their medical needs.

Free Chinese medicine consultation services

To ensure the affected residents receive more comprehensive medical support, free CM consultation services will be launched starting tomorrow. Under the co-ordination of the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Chinese Medicine Unit of the HHB, 150 CM practitioners have participated in the free CM consultation services, covering more than 170 service points. Starting from tomorrow until February 28, 2026, all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers) can receive up to three free CM consultation services, including the provision of medication and related treatments based on their clinical needs, through the arrangement of the District Health Centres/ District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The scope of free CM consultation services covers health conditions that may arise after the fire, such as emotional changes, insomnia, palpitations; coughing, wheezing, dry throat, and itchy throat; physical weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, dyspepsia; as well as pain and musculoskeletal injuries.

Affected residents with medical needs can call the hotlines or visit any DHC in person to seek assistance, regardless of their current place of residence. Those who are registered DHC members may also contact their respective DHC directly. The hotlines have been posted on the websites of the PHC Commission and the DHCs. Case managers of the DHCs will pair them with CM practitioners participating in the free CM consultation scheme based on their individual situation and preferences.

The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong

All residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers), and all individuals injured in the fire and admitted to public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) can receive full fee waivers at the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) until December 31, 2026. The waivers cover all government-subsidised services of CMHHK, including General Clinic, Specialised Clinic, Allied Health Services, day-patient services, as well as special Western medicine diagnostic procedures and medications (discharge medication collection). Relevant individuals can identify themselves to CMHHK and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) during consultations to facilitate the arrangement.

Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres located in 18 districts

Following the fire, the Chinese Medicine Clinics cum Training and Research Centres (CMCTRs) under the HA promptly provide support in Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, and North District through enhancing CM services, arranging rescheduling of appointments, and re-dispensing of Chinese medicines.

Starting from December 2, the 18 CMCTRs have been fully supporting all residents of the eight blocks at Wang Fuk Court (including foreign domestic helpers). They are eligible for full medical fee waivers until December 31 2026, covering government-subsidised CM outpatient services, including general consultation, acupuncture and bone-setting/tui-na. Relevant individuals can call the CMCTRs during their service hours or make an appointment via the "18 CM Clinics" mobile application. They shall identify themselves to the CMCTRs and provide basic personal information (including name, identity card number and residential address) upon registration to proceed with the arrangement. The CMCTRs will provide priority booking for the affected residents. In addition, the Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Services under the HA's public hospitals/ambulatory care centres/out-patient clinics (currently available for six selected disease areas) will also waive service fees for relevant individuals.

Information about the 18 CMCTRs can be found on the HACMK website.

The HHB expresses gratitude to the CM sector and non-governmental organisations for their dedication to providing various CM support to the affected residents. The Government will continue to co-ordinate various medical services to support the physical and mental health needs of the residents.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post