Statement on endangered species and Chinese medicine in Australia

Background

Australia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora which is known as the CITES agreement. It is underpinned by provisions in Australian Government legislation, namely in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Some animal and plant parts have been traditionally used in Chinese medicine from what have now become endangered species.

While some herbs are endangered in the wild, they are now cultivated. However, these still require import/export permits.

National Board position

The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia and the Chinese medicine profession in Australia strongly support and strictly adhere to the moral and legal obligations to protect endangered species.

Download the Position statement - Endangered species and Chinese medicine in Australia (141 KB,PDF).