Beijing says scientific and medical uses for such materials are now permittedWorld Wildlife Fund condemns move, saying it will ‘have devastating consequences globally’
China is allowing scientific and medical uses of tiger bone and rhinoceros horn, after banning such uses and trade in the materials for 25 years, the government announced on Monday.
“Under special circumstances, trading or using of tiger bone, rhino horn or any products containing them should apply for permission,” China’s cabinet, the State Council, said on Monday.
The move was immediately condemned by the conservation group World Wildlife Fund (WWF). “It is deeply concerning that China has reversed its 25-year-old tiger bone and rhino horn ban, allowing a trade that will have devastating consequences globally”, Margaret Kinnaird, WWF’s wildlife practice leader, said in a statement on Monday.
“The resumption of a legal market for these products is an enormous setback to efforts to protect tigers and rhinos in the wild.”
Watch: Asian demand is pushing animals to extinction
Tiger bone or rhino horn for medical treatments can be prescribed by doctors certified by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, according to the announcement.
Scientific research such as genetic studies that require tiger or rhino products may submit applications, and the products should be used only for the purpose specified. Antique tiger and rhino products are also permitted if they are gifted or inherited assets.
