China's State Council, or cabinet, has issued a new regulation on the protection of paleontology fossils, part of the country's efforts to protect its extensive fossil heritage by introducing stricter approval systems for legitimate exploration, transfer and exchanges of fossils.
The regulation, which will take effect beginning Jan. 1 next year, bans the taking of paleontology fossils that have not yet been identified and stipulates any exhibition of fossils under state protection must be approved by the government before being taken to a foreign country.
