How can we control the trade in medicines containing endangered or protected species?
The United States has comprehensive wildlife legislation prohibiting international and interstate trade of endangered, threatened, and protected species. These laws include the Endangered Species Act, the Lacey Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. CITES, a wildlife treaty signed by more than 160 countries including the United States, prohibits international trade in many animal and plant species. The Rhino and Tiger Product Labeling Act makes it illegal to sell, import, or export or to attempt to sell, import, or export any product for human consumption or application that contains – or even claims to contain – rhino or tiger parts. The United States also regulates or prohibits trade in other traditional medicine ingredients of conservation concern, including rhino horn, musk, bear gallbladders, and American ginseng.