A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (April 8) reminded members of the public not to bring meat and poultry into Hong Kong from the Mainland without certificate.
Under the Imported Game, Meat and Poultry Regulations, it is an offence to import meat and poultry without an official certificate, the spokesman said.
The maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and six months' imprisonment.
Between April 1 and 7, Customs officers have seized 58.7 kilograms of chicken and 6.2 kilograms of goose from incoming passengers at the three land boundary control points - Lok Ma Chau, Lo Wu and Man Kam To.
The cases have been handed over to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for follow-up enquiries.
With the approach of the Easter holidays, the spokesman also appealed to Hong Kong residents returning from Mainland and overseas trips not to bring in any prohibited articles.
He pointed out that the importation into Hong Kong of animals and plants, endangered species, dangerous drugs, arms and ammunition, fireworks and strategic commodities without licences or permits issued in advance by the authorities concerned are prohibited.
Meanwhile, the spokesman also reminded members of the public to observe the 24-hour rule on duty-free concession under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance or they could face a maximum fine of $1 million and two years' imprisonment.
Under the Ordinance, a returning Hong Kong resident aged 18 or above, who has spent 24 hours or longer outside the territory, may bring in free of duty 60 sticks of cigarettes and 750 millilitres of still wine for his own use.
Ends/Thursday, April 8, 2004