The use of wild animal parts such as bear bile, rhino horn, and tiger bones in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has pushed many species to the brink of extinction. While Singapore prohibits the import, sale, and possession of these parts, illegal trade still exists.
ACRES is committed to ending this cruelty by:
- Conducting undercover investigations to expose illegal wildlife trade in TCM shops.
- Collaborating with the TCM industry through our Endangered-Species Friendly labelling scheme.
- Raising public awareness to promote cruelty-free, herbal alternatives.
Launched in 2006, ACRES & STOC Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling Scheme curbed the trade of endangered wildlife in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Singapore by reaching out to TCM shops that pledge not to sell endangered species products and was awarded a special label to display at their storefront, assuring customers that no such items were sold.
At the launch of the Endangered Species-Friendly TCM Labelling Scheme, Mr. Lee Tiong Sa, Chairman of the Singapore TCM Organisations Committee (STOC), reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to wildlife protection, highlighting the importance of raising awareness among traders and consumers.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remains an important part of Singapore’s cultural heritage and healthcare landscape. ACRES is proud to collaborate with STOC to promote cruelty-free, herbal alternatives and eliminate the illegal use of endangered species in TCM.
As of 2010, 218 companies and 325 TCM shops across Singapore have joined the scheme and display the label proudly at their storefronts.
Picture of the label – Meem to search
This labelling scheme is proudly supported by the Animals Asia Foundation.