Hong Kong ivory traders exploit flaws to import tusks illegally from Africa, says wildlife group
Wildlife group says city's weak licensing system allows dealers to top up their stocks from Africa
Ivory traders are profiting from a thriving trade in illegal elephant tusks by exploiting loopholes in Hong Kong's licensing system for legal transactions, WWF-Hong Kong said.
A study by the environmental group found traders were exploiting "fundamental flaws" in the regime and it identified "widespread illegality".
It released a video of undercover wildlife activists who targeted three retailers in the city's ivory trade and who admitted on camera that they knew how to manipulate the system. The WWF said it would hand the footage to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
One trader said the lax registration of ivory meant only the weight of each item was recorded and that if he sold one piece, "I can simply exchange it with anything … I can use illegal ivory to make another item to top up my stock again," as long as it is the same weight.
In response to the revelations the government said last night that it would review every licence and audit each piece of ivory.
International trade in ivory has been outlawed since 1989, but licensed selling of ivory imported before the ban and from stockpiles of African governments is legal.
Official studies have shown Hong Kong has over 30,000 pieces on sale - the most in the world - as experts warn the city is fuelling a thriving market.