China Bans Ivory Sales

The Chinese government banned all commercial ivory processing and sales beginning December 31, 2017.

Work on the plan began in March 2017 when the government demanded relevant departments to guide the ivory-carving industry to reshape itself and clamp down on illegal ivory processing and sales, according to China's State Forestry Administration. More than 100 ivory processing sites and markets have apparently been told to end operations.

China is reportedly the world's biggest ivory buyer, purchasing 70 percent of the ivory sold worldwide. The ban received widespread applause from the International community and is said by some to be an attempt to cultivate an international image as a “responsible big country.”