customs seizure of products made from endangered animals

On October 16, Dalian Customs confirmed that 23 animal bone products, earlier intercepted at local Post Office, were made from whale teeth, hippopotamus teeth and black corals.

Through customs inspection, the officers opened an abnormal post declared as “PVC sculpture materials” from Japan and found many animal products therein. Through professional identification, the seized articles included 203 grams of whale teeth, 53 grams of hippopotamus teeth, and 149 grams of black coral bones, totaling 405 grams. Whale, hippopotamus and black coral are all listed in Appendix I/II of the “Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora” (CITES), so they and their products are banned or restricted from international trade. 

Customs reminder: In accordance with relevant Chinese laws/regulations, an inbound/outbound post of endangered wildlife and relevant products must be accompanied by the Import/Export Permit issued by Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office of China, or such post is lawbreaking.