In response to growing concerns over pangolin conservation, President Biden is considering new import restrictions on products from China. This action follows a recent certification under the Pelly Amendment, citing that some Chinese nationals’ involvement in the pangolin trade is undermining the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). To gather public input on these potential prohibitions, the administration has opened a comment period, closing on November 14, to evaluate whether such measures are necessary, what products should be affected, and if alternative actions might be more effective.
A notice from federal agencies highlights that since 2017, all pangolin species have been classified under Appendix I of CITES, which strictly limits international trade of species at risk of extinction. Despite these protections, China remains a significant market for pangolin scales, driven by the demand for traditional medicinal uses. Although China has introduced some policies to restrict pangolin trafficking, the ongoing availability of pangolin products from national stockpiles continues to support this trade.
The White House has emphasized that China needs to take stronger actions to close loopholes that allow legal markets to support illegal pangolin trade. Citing a lack of sufficient progress through diplomatic discussions, the administration is now weighing the possibility of directing the U.S. Treasury to enforce specific import restrictions on Chinese products. This measure aims to support conservation efforts and halt the illegal pangolin trade.
Any restrictions imposed would remain in place until the President deems them unnecessary or until the Pelly Amendment certification is rescinded.
