The Ivory Act 2018
Last updated: 6 June 2022

About:
The UK’s Ivory Act came into force on the 6th of June 2022 which is a step closer to ensuring the protection of elephants.

Elephants are commonly targeted for their ivory tusks and the demand for ivory is known to contribute to poaching. The number of elephants free in the wild has declined by almost a third. It’s estimated around 20,000 are being slaughtered annually because of the global demand for ivory

This act puts the UK at the forefront of the global conservation efforts.
Previously the Ivory Act 2018 only banned ivory produced after a certain date. Now the Act bans all ivory, no matter the age.

There are a very select few exceptions to the ban. However, each and every object needs to be officially registered and have a special exemption certificate issued.

The 5 exemptions to the ban are:
■ Pre-1947 items containing less than 10% ivory by volume.
■ Pre-1975 musical instruments containing less than 20% ivory by volume.
■ Pre-1918 portrait miniatures with a surface area of no more than 320 sq cm
■ Sales to, and hire agreements with, qualifying museums.
■ Pre-1918 items with outstanding artistic, cultural, or historical value

Those found guilty of breaching the ban will face tough new penalties including an unlimited fine or up to five years in jail.

The Government is also considering extending the Ivory Act to other ivory-bearing species and will publish the response to the consultation later this year.
 
Act: 
The Ivory Act 2018