The State Council, or Cabinet, has issued a new regulation to protect paleontology fossils, part of the country's efforts to protect its extensive fossil heritage by introducing a stricter approval system for the legitimate exploration, transfer and exchanges of fossils.

The regulation, which will take effect from January 1, 2011, bans the taking of paleontology fossils that have not yet been identified and stipulates any exhibition of fossils under state protection must be approved by the government before being taken to another country.

Paleontology fossils refer to the body and trace fossils of animals and plants formed and preserved in the earth during any geological period of history. Fossils related to ancient vertebrates and ancient humans in the Quaternary Period are subject to protection rules of China's cultural relics.

Under the regulation, land and resources authorities of the State Council are entitled to trace and claim paleontology fossils that were illegally transported outside its border.

State-owned entities are not allowed to sell, exchange, or give away paleontology fossils to private entities or individuals, and the fossils are not allowed to be sold, exchanged, given away or pledged to foreigners or foreign-owned organizations, according to the regulation.