China has unveiled rules that will allow the use of rhino horn and tiger parts for some medical and cultural purposes, watering down a decades-old ban in a move conservation group WWF said could have "devastating consequences".

Key points: Decision reverses ban established 25 years ago

Decision reverses ban established 25 years ago Animal groups say it's "an enormous setback" for wildlife

Animal groups say it's "an enormous setback" for wildlife Chinese officials state it will support traditional Chinese medicine.

China's State Council issued a notice replacing its 1993 ban on the trade of tiger bones and rhino horn.

The new rules ban the sale, use, import and export of such products, but allow exceptions under "special circumstances", such as medical and scientific research, educational use, and as part of "cultural exchanges".

Horns of rhinos or bones of tigers that were bred in captivity can now be used "for medical research or clinical treatment of critical illnesses" under the new rules.

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Rhino horn and tiger products classified as "antiques" can also be used in "cultural exchanges" with the approval of culture authorities, although they still may not be sold on the market or exchanged via the internet.

The new rules came into effect on October 6.

WWF said in a statement that Beijing's move would have "devastating consequences globally" and be "an enormous setback to efforts to protect tigers and rhinos in the wild".

"Even if restricted to antiques and use in hospitals, this trade would increase confusion by consumers and law enforcers as to which products are and are not legal, and would likely expand the markets for other tiger and rhino products," WWF said.

Beijing banned trade in tiger bones and rhino horns, both prized in traditional Chinese medicine, 25 years ago as part of global efforts to halt declining animal stocks. But illegal poaching has continued, driven by demand in an increasingly affluent country.

WWF says Beijing's decision is an "enormous setback" for conservation efforts. ( Reuters: Bobby Yip, file )

The use of tiger bones in Chinese medicine has also been banned since 1993, however commercial tiger farms have long been legal in the country, and animals rights groups say tiger parts from these farms often end up being made into tonics or other medicines.

Conservation groups say Chinese traditional medicine recipes can make use of substitutes for products from wild animals.

Some Chinese officials have in the past said full bans on the use of wild animal parts would threaten traditional Chinese medicine.

Tiger parts can now be traded in "special circumstances". ( Flickr: neiljs )

Reuters