It was learned from Yichang Customs on Oct.15 that Yichang Customs handed over 18 pieces of endangered species products seized at the port to the anti-smuggling department. Yichang Customs reminds the general public to strictly abide by the relevant national laws and regulations when mailing or buying overseas souvenirs, so as not to be involved in illegal affairs or suffer unnecessary economic losses.

　　Since this year, Yichang Customs has made full effort to crack down on the smuggling of endangered species, carry out accurate surveillance on luggage of inbound and outbound passengers at the Three Gorges Airport and intensify the inspection of endangered species and their products. By the end of September, Yichang Customs had successively seized 42 pieces of endangered species products, totaling 1.7 kg, carried by inbound and outbound passengers. They include suspected ivory, tridacma, agalloch eaglewood and crocodile skin products.

　　It is reported that China is a state party to The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).According to the provisions, except for holding relevant import and export permits, the entry and exit of endangered wildlife and their products in the appendix to the Convention shall be illegal for any trade or carrying. According to the laws of China, the smuggling of precious animal products will be subject to criminal punishment or administrative penalty based on the amount. (Reporter Pei Shujing, Correspondent Wang Chunlai)