Is it legal to sell the fossil Keichousaurus Guizhou (from China) on eBay? I heard it is illegal to take these fossils from China, but it seems they are sold in other countries. I wonder if you can be arrested for buying these?
Yes, it is illegal to export of vertebrate fossils from China (also from Argentina, for example. Dinosaur eggs, and Mongolia). But at least in the United States and Australia - you can check if you live in another country - it is technically legal to buy / sell.
Here in Oz quite recently, the govt has enacted a law that allowed them to capture a large catch of fossils from China and send them back. Nobody has been charged, the guy just lost his container transport fuels. And I can not imagine a government that is only a Keichousaurus.
In addition, it is now illegal in China, after a certain date ... 1998, I think, but do not quote me. Thus, you can always say that your fossils were exported before that date.
Morally good ... (Not that I can not criticize)
Why should you be responsible for yourself the police. If something is on sale and Ebay is allowing it, why should you check and see if you can buy. Ebay should be punished if they allow it and make income.
Posted on April 18, 2010.