What Changed
- Gazetted the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 3) Order 2026 on October 16, 2026.
- Scheduled tabling at the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026, for negative vetting, with implementation taking effect on December 31, 2026.
- Established a three-month grace period requiring commercial possessors of relevant species to obtain a Licence to Possess by March 30, 2027.
Traders, importers, exporters, and commercial possessors of endangered flora and fauna in Hong Kong SAR are subject to updated control lists following the gazettal of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 3) Order 2026 on October 16, 2026. The legislation amends Schedules 1 and 3 of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) to align local regulations with decisions adopted at the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), held in November and December 2025.
The amendments reflect additions, removals, and classification changes in CITES Appendices I and II, covering controlled species such as sharks, manta rays, devil rays, wood, and ornamental plants. Under Cap. 586, the import, export, re-export, introduction from the sea, possession, or control of specimens of scheduled species—including their parts and derivatives—require licensing unless specific exemptions apply.
The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 21, 2026, for negative vetting. The new control measures take effect on December 31, 2026, though the effective date for certain species is deferred until June 5, 2027. For commercial possession of Appendix I species or live wild-origin Appendix II species, a three-month grace period applies, requiring possessors to obtain a Licence to Possess on or before March 30, 2027. Local trading of previously legally imported specimens may continue under licensing control.
Failure to comply with import, export, or possession licensing requirements constitutes an offense liable to a maximum penalty of a HK$10 million fine and 10 years imprisonment upon conviction, alongside forfeiture of the specimens. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will conduct briefing sessions and issue circular letters to guide affected stakeholders.
Who May Be Affected
Traders, commercial possessors, importers, and exporters dealing in regulated species, timber, seafood, and ornamental plants in or through Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Affects international commercial transactions and cross-border movements of CITES-listed flora and fauna passing through or imported into Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Check the AFCD website (www.cites.hk) for circular letters, briefing session details, and specific species lists in the gazetted Annex.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.