Routed Through the Courts
The Illegal Trade of Rhino Horn in China
China has prioritized and improved its enforcement response to rhino horn trafficking as part of its larger enforcement approach to tackling the illegal wildlife trade (IWT). Nevertheless, organized trafficking networks continue to facilitate the movement of this illegal wildlife product into the country. The continued smuggling of rhino horn into China underscores the need for further enforcement and demand reduction action.
This report contains an analysis of open-source information on criminal cases involving rhino horn in China from 2013 through October 2025 derived from the China Judgements Online (CJO) database.
EIA encourages China to remain steadfast in its approach to rhino horn trafficking, to enhance transparency of its wildlife crime enforcement, and to take a leadership role in the global effort to protect rhinoceroses by sharing its experiences and expertise with other countries affected by rhino poaching and illegal trade.
