Is the trade in medicinal plants regulated?
International trade in about 20 plant species is already regulated because of the pressures of herbal medicine. An additional 200 plant species used in herbal remedies are regulated in trade because of a combination of factors, including pressure from the herbal medicine market. In Europe, many countries regulate or prohibit trade in species whose populations have evidenced decline in recent years. Over 340 medicinal and aromatic plant species are fully or partially protected by the combined legislation of Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Turkey. However, in many countries where endangered medicinal plants are found – particularly in Africa and Latin America – there is insufficient legislation protecting these species, and what laws exist are often inadequately enforced.
