Hong Kong Customs successfully prosecutes local forwarder for exporting Chinese herbal medicine and proprietary Chinese medicine not under and in accordance with export licence
A local forwarder was convicted and fined $20,000 by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today (September 10) for exporting prohibited articles of Chinese herbal medicine and proprietary Chinese medicine not under and in accordance with an export licence, in contravention of the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).
During an investigation into a contraband export case, Customs officers found a local forwarder that had exported a shipment of Chinese herbal medicine Radix Clematidis and proprietary Chinese medicine containing "Ejiao" to Canada without a valid export licence. The total estimated market value of the cargo was about $67,000.
Customs welcomed the courts' ruling and believed that they have provided clear and explicit warnings to the public.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the IEO, any person who exports Chinese herbal medicine and proprietary Chinese medicine without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years.
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, Photo source: reference image
DGCA attends Asia-Pacific aviation heads conference in Malaysia
The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ms Clara Wong, led a Civil Aviation Department (CAD) delegation to attend the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With the theme of "Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation", the Conference was attended by over 210 participants from 40 member states, administrations and international organisations. Aviation authorities and industry organisations discussed a wide range of subjects, including aviation safety and security, air navigation, environment, innovations, and regional co-operation.
CAD submitted two papers. One highlighted CAD's collaborative approach in managing safe and orderly air traffic and airport operations under severe weather. The other shared Hong Kong, China's experience in an expeditious recovery from an aircraft accident under challenging conditions in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Both papers received positive feedback and strong support.
Separately, Ms Wong, in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the ICAO Regional Aviation Safety Group - Asia Pacific Regions (RASG-APAC), presented the key outcomes of the 15th Meeting of RASG-APAC, which plays a crucial role in supporting a regional performance framework for the management of aviation safety. She elaborated on the significant progress made by the Group in advancing the Regional Aviation Safety Plan and strengthening co-ordination with the Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group, and reaffirmed the collective commitment to continuous safety improvement.
Ms Wong also met with leaders from various aviation authorities and industry organisations to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including low-altitude economy development. Marking CAD's 80th anniversary this year, she briefed fellow members on the remarkable development of Hong Kong civil aviation over the past 80 years, and highlighted that CAD will continue to embrace innovation and new technologies, leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantage of strong support of the motherland and global connectivity to pioneer continued development and growth of the aviation industry.
Ms Wong also signed the Programme Document to extend the Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme into Phase VI (2027-2029) with nine fellow leaders of civil aviation authorities in the region, together with the ICAO Secretary General. The Programme is instrumental in promoting collaborative connectivity for air traffic across the region, achieving seamless operations. The signing underscored CAD's commitment to deepening regional collaboration, expanding connectivity and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, in support of safe, efficient and sustainable aviation development in the region.
Ms Wong will return to Hong Kong today (September 10).
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. Photo shows the Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (first left), in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the International Civil Aviation Organization Regional Aviation Safety Group - Asia and Pacific Regions (RASG-APAC), presenting the key outcomes of the 15th Meeting of RASG‑APAC. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. Photo shows the Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (front row, centre), briefing fellow members of the International Civil Aviation Organization on the remarkable development of Hong Kong civil aviation in the past 80 years. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. The Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (sixth right), joined fellow leaders of civil aviation authorities in the region, together with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General, in signing the ICAO Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme Document for Phase VI (2027 - 2029). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. The Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (second right), led a delegation to attend the Conference. Ms Wong is pictured with Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Ms Liang Nan (second left) and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Stanley Pun (first right), at the conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
