Possible import prohibitions on certain products from China due to the involvement of Chinese nationals in the trade or taking of pangolins
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR)—along with the Department of State and Department of the Interior—today released a notice requesting comments on potential import prohibitions on certain products from China pursuant to the Pelly Amendment.
Summary
The U.S. president is considering imposing import prohibitions on certain products from China due to the involvement of Chinese nationals in the trade or taking of pangolins, which undermines the effectiveness of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
All eight species of pangolins are listed in Appendix I of CITES, indicating they are threatened with extinction and are subject to strict trade regulations. Despite these regulations, China remains a significant destination for pangolin scales. The U.S. president has notified Congress of China's certification under the Pelly Amendment, highlighting insufficient efforts by China to curb illegal pangolin trade.
The USTR, State, and Interior are seeking public comments on whether to impose import prohibitions on products from China, which products should be prohibited, the potential economic and environmental impacts of such prohibitions, and alternative actions to end illegal pangolin trade.
The deadline for comments to be submitted is 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register (scheduled to be October 15, 2024).