China permits trade of rhino, tiger goods

China yesterday announced it was authorising the trade of rhinoceros and tiger parts for scientific, medical and cultural purposes, a move wildlife conservationists fear could have “devastating consequences” globally. The trade of rhinos, tigers, and their related products will be allowed under “special” circumstances, the State Council, or cabinet, said in a statement.

Those include scientific research, sales of cultural relics, and “medical research or in healing”. The newly sanctioned areas of trade will be highly regulated. Only doctors at hospitals recognised by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine will be allowed to use powdered forms of rhino horn and tiger bones. Tourism and cultural heritage authorities will also have to sign off on any rhino and tiger products that are used for “temporary cultural exchange”.

Trade volume will be “strictly controlled”, the State Council said, with any trade outside of authorised use cases to remain banned.