The Chinese government has issued a regulation on Friday to better protect its animal and plant fossils.

Individuals or organizations may face criminal charges if they take fossils out of the country without approval, the regulation said, which was published on China's Central People's Government website Friday.

The Land and Resources Ministry has the right to seek the return of fossils that have been sent abroad illegally, the regulation read.

One should apply to the Land and Resources Ministry or local land resources agencies to get permission to take fossils abroad, it read.

The regulation, which contains 45 items in six chapters, was adopted by China's State Council, the Cabinet, on Aug. 25. It will take effect from Jan. 1 next year.