Nearly four years since becoming law, the UK ivory ban finally comes into force!

It’s been nearly four years since the Ivory Bill received Royal Assent and we are delighted that the UK Ivory Act finally comes into force today (6 June).
 
Executive Director Mary Rice said: “In 2017, EIA research revealed that the UK was the world’s largest exporter of antique ivory, particularly to China and Hong Kong, which are two known hotspots for illegal ivory trade.

“After years of campaigning, we welcome the news that in the UK, as of today, it is illegal to deal in ivory unless under certain strict exemptions.

Along with our partner organisations, we welcome the UK’s commitment to the protection of elephant populations and look forward to continued leadership on behalf of the UK Government to raise awareness that legal ivory markets stimulate demand and exacerbate poaching and ivory trafficking.’

“The UK Ivory Act is a huge achievement for elephants, one that was possible only with the help of our partners and you, our supporters.”

The implementation of the ban comes not a moment too soon. As demonstrated by the closure of domestic ivory markets worldwide, demand for ivory is at an historic low. However, in the run up to the 19^th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in November 2022, we are seeing worrying signs that a handful of Southern African countries are attempting to re-open a legal ivory trade.

EIA will continue calling for the closure of all remaining legal ivory markets, including in Japan – the world’s largest remaining market – and will continue resisting attempts to reopen international trade.