Chinese customs seizes 95 ivory products

Eleven cases involving ivory items sent by post have been investigated and 95 ivory products have been seized this year, said Customs authorities in Shenyang, capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province.

A recent case found that some inbound mail from Japan declared as books, did not conform to its Customs declaration after an X-ray scan.

Customs officers later confirmed that there were ivory items in the parcel.

Shenyang Customs said a total of 11 cases involving 95 ivory products that weigh over 11 kg have been seized this year. Items include ivory sculptures, accessories, tableware and art.

Shenyang Customs has launched a special operation to crack down on ivory smuggling through international mail delivery.

China banned all domestic ivory trade at the end of 2017 as part of its commitment to protecting wild animals.