The Samoan government has approved rules to control the export of fine mats.
A government appointed fine mats committee has noted the wholesale purchase of fine mats which are then taken overseas.
Under the changes a permit is now needed to take fine mats out of the country.
The number of mats will also be limited.
For funerals, the limit will be ten mats for an individual traveller and 20 for a group.
For village trips, only 40 fine mats in total can be taken.
