UN body allows China to import African ivory

China was granted permission by a UN panel on Tuesday to import elephant ivory from African government stockpiles, despite opposition from some countries and environmental groups.

The standing committee overseeing the UN convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, or CITES, voted 9-3 with two abstentions that China qualified for the exception needed for the one-off auction because it has dramatically improved its enforcement of ivory rules. (AP)