The law was adopted after a third reading at a bi-monthly session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. It will take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.

The amended law bans the production and sale of food made from state-protected wild animals and products derived from them, as well as food made from those not under special state protection but lacking proof of legitimate sourcing.

It also bans illegal purchase of state-protected wild animals and derived products for food. Offenders could face criminal penalties.

The law also strengthens regulation of the use of wild animals and products derived from them.

It bans hunting, sale, purchase, and use of state-protected wild animals or derived products, unless for scientific research, captive breeding, population regulation, monitoring of disease or other purposes.

It mandates that permits should be obtained for the hunting, captive breeding, sale, purchase, and use of state-protected wild animals or derived products.

In addition, the law stipulates that animals bred under controlled conditions through mature methods may be removed from China's special state protection list.

Animals removed from the list are regulated differently from wild ones, it says.

Meanwhile, the amended law regulates the release of captive animals to the wild.

Anyone who frees captive animals in a reckless manner causing property damage or physical injury to others, or jeopardizing the ecosystem, will be held accountable, it says.

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