The law banning the trade and processing of ivory products in China last December has been well-received globally. The move follows after several reports revealed that elephants in Africa were nearing the brink of extinction had the poaching continued.

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Wildlife experts in Kenya expressed their joy following the new regulations, according to the Atlanta Black Star.

Jabes Okumu, a wildlife expert from the East African Wild Life Society, told Xinhua that the new regulations would be fully approved by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

"This move is likely to attract support from other ivory consuming countries," Okumu said. "It will help build synergies towards pushing for full protection of elephants."

Prior to the ban, a shocking 100,000 elephants had reportedly been killed in poaching activities over the past five years. This was greatly attributed to the growing demand for ivory in the Asian community.

The Huffington Post reported that with the new ban, ivory will lose its much-hyped value, and it will also go a mile further to ensure that ivory is even harder to acquire. 

The Environmental Investigation Agency, however, pointed that even though the ban has been issued, there is still a loophole, particularly on clause that states that "Cultural relics made of ivory that is of legal origin and has been verified by a specialist appraisal body may be auctioned under strict supervision to demonstrate cultural value." Such statement does not necessarily imply that ivory trade is illegal in China.

Tagschina, Ivory trade, new law, wildlife, CITES