In theIn trade,it is not uncommon for commodities involving endangered species to be punished,especially in thefield.Since the raw materials of products involve endangered species,they are often investigated by the customs for failing to provide certificates of permission for import and export or species certificates in accordance with laws and regulations.

[Case 1]

On March 5,2021,Shanghai Customs seized a batch of cosmetics containing ingredients from the endangered wildlife species "sturgeon." The shipment was declared for export by a Shanghai-based company under the product name "a certain brand’s moisturizing and soothing caviar concentrate essence mask," with a quantity of 4,290 pieces.The product contained sturgeon caviar extract,and sturgeon has been listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).Relevant cosmetics enterprises are required to submit an export permit for endangered species.The party involved was placed under investigation by Shanghai Customs’ anti-smuggling department for suspected inaccurate declaration of the tariff code for export-filed goods,which affected the supervision of licensing documents.

[Case 2]

On May 12,2021,a batch of imported cosmetics entered the country through Huanggang Port.The first item in this batch of cosmetics contained ginseng,an ingredient listed in the appendix of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).The company failed to provide the "Permit for Import of Endangered Species" or the "Certificate for Non-Listed Species in the ," leading to its seizure by customs.The dutiable value declared on the customs declaration was 126,000 yuan,and this administrative penalty imposes a fine of 14,400 yuan.

Basis for administrative penalty: As stipulated in Article 15 (3) of the Regulations of the Peoples Republic of China on the Implementation of Customs Administrative Penalties,for those that affect the management of international license documents,a fine of not less than 5% but not more than 30% of the value of the goods shall be imposed.

When engaging in import and export trade,it is necessary to pay attention to whether the goods contain endangered wild animals,plants,and their products and handle the corresponding license documents to avoid unnecessary economic and time losses and even bear corresponding legal responsibilities.

For cosmetics known to contain the following ingredients in import,please consult for certification:

Ginseng,Ginkgo,Wild Soybean,Sturgeon,Bletilla striata,Cactus,Candelilla Wax (Euphorbia cerifera),Cordyceps,Aloe,etc.