It's not illegal to keep crocodiles, but you need to get permission and apply for a breeding license. All crocodiles that are not native to China shall be managed according to the national second-class protected aquatic wild animals, and the franchise management of domestication, breeding, management and utilization and import and export shall be implemented. Crocodiles imported duty-free should be strictly used for scientific research such as artificial domestication and breeding, and business activities such as sale, exchange, transfer, rental and exhibition are prohibited.

Legal objectivity:

The Measures for the Administration of the Domestication and Breeding License of National Key Protected Wild Animals stipulates: Article 2 Units and individuals engaged in the domestication and breeding of wild animals must obtain the Domestication and Breeding License of National Key Protected Wild Animals (hereinafter referred to as the Domestication and Breeding License). Units and individuals that have not obtained the domestication and breeding license shall not engage in the domestication and breeding of wild animals.