2020 notice banning wildlife trade rescinded

A notice banning the trade in wildlife that came into force in 2020 ceased to be valid on May 30, according to an announcement from the top market supervision, agriculture, and forestry and grassland departments on Friday.

The departments said that it was no longer needed due to subsequent improvements to related laws and regulations.

These include the decision issued by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, which prohibits the trade in wildlife and eliminates the consumption of wild animals to protect public health.

The scope of animals covered was clearly outlined in the decision, which banned the consumption of wild terrestrial animals with "important ecological, scientific or social value" that were under State protection, as well as any artificially bred or raised wild terrestrial animals.

The decision also prohibited the hunting, trading and transporting of such animals for the purpose of consumption.

In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs also released a national genetic catalogue of livestock and poultry, which helped draw a clearer boundary between wildlife and animals that may be legally consumed.

The three departments said that since the 2020 notice no longer applies, regional departments are now required to abide by laws on wild animal protection, fisheries, animal epidemic prevention, as well as the decision to continue the crackdown on illegal wildlife trade and eating.