BEIJING, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- China's illegal imports of ivory have come down sharply since 1998 when a global ban on imports went into effect, a Chinese official said.
Denying allegations that demand from Chinese workers in Africa is contributing to rising elephant poaching in Kenya, Wan Ziming -- director of enforcement at the endangered species' office of the State Forestry Administration -- said illegal ivory imports have fallen significantly despite smuggling by individual ivory workers or travelers to Africa, China Daily reported.
Before the 1998 ban, China was the world's largest importer of ivory and ivory products, the report said.
"Now the amount of illegal ivory brought to China has been far less than many other countries," Wan said.
He acknowledged the higher domestic price of ivory products in China might encourage smuggling. He said there are up to 30 ivory processing companies and more than 100 designated sales places in the country.
However, he said China has come down heavily on illegal trade. He said since July 2008, China has become the second legal importer after Japan.
He said Chinese laws prohibit transportation of ivory and violators can be punished by up to 12 years in jail.
