It is strictly regulated.
Feather collection in China is legal only under strict wildlife protection laws enforced by the State Forestry and Grassland Administration (SFGA) and the National Forestry and Grassland Bureau. Violations risk fines up to ¥100,000 or criminal charges under the 2022 Wildlife Protection Law, with 2026 amendments tightening oversight on non-native species. Domestic trade remains permissible for farmed poultry under SFGA-approved permits.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in China
- Wildlife Protection Law (2022, amended 2026): Prohibits collection, trade, or possession of feathers from protected species (e.g., cranes, pheasants) listed under the SFGA’s National Key Protected Wildlife List. Unauthorized handling incurs administrative penalties or criminal liability under Article 341 of the Criminal Law.
- Domestic Poultry Exemption: Feathers from farmed species (chickens, ducks, geese) require SFGA-issued Special Breeding Permits for commercial collection. Permits mandate veterinary health certificates and traceability systems to prevent cross-contamination with wild bird pathogens.
- Regional Restrictions: Provincial forestry bureaus (e.g., Yunnan, Heilongjiang) impose additional quotas on migratory bird feathers. Local SFGA offices conduct quarterly inspections; failure to declare harvests may trigger Administrative Measures for Wildlife Derivative Products violations.