China has banned the import and export of endangered species of wild fauna and flora.

The regulation, effective from September 1, is a move by the Chinese government to regulate the trade, protect wild fauna and flora, and comply with the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

According to the regulation, the import and export of endangered wild animals and plants and their related products for commercial purposes is banned. For special purposes such as scientific research, artificial naturalization and propagation and cultural exchange, the import and export of endangered wildlife must be approved by departments under the state council in charge of the management of wild fauna and flora.

The regulation also forbids exports of unnamed and newly discovered wild animals and plants of great value and their related products.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora is an international agreement. Its aim is precisely to ensure that international trade does not menace the survival of wild animals and plants.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2006)