skip to main content

Ivory Ban Will Grant Exemptions for Musical Instruments

Following lobbying from the music industry, including the Musicians' Union (MU), The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) ivory ban will give some exemptions for musical instruments.

Published: 18 April 2018 | 12:00 AM Updated: 09 June 2021 | 11:11 AM

Following lobbying from the music industry, including the Musicians' Union (MU), The UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) ivory ban will give some exemptions for musical instruments.

Although the Musicians’ Union (MU) supports DEFRA's strong actions to limit elephant poaching, we have been lobbying for an exemption to be made for musical instruments.

Proposed exemptions

The Government’s ivory ban, which is yet to be signed into law, contains four exemptions:

  • Musical instruments manufactured before 1975 and comprised of less than 20% ivory
  • Items comprised less than 10% ivory (by volume) and made before 1947
  • Rare or important items, at least 100 years old, will be assessed by specialist institutions before exemption permits are issued
  • Commercial activity between accredited museums.

This applies to the sale or trade of items – non-commercial performance activities will not be affected. The current guidelines on non-commercial cross border activity under CITES regulations continue to apply.

Thanks to members who gave evidence

Dave Webster, Musicians’ Union Live Performance National Organiser says:

“We are pleased that the Government have listened to the arguments put forward by the Musicians’ Union, the Music Industries Association and the Association of British Orchestras, and built in protections for musicians and their instruments.

Ultimately we would have preferred it if the ban had exempted instruments manufactured before 1989, however our research showed that the majority of instruments will be exempt from the ban.

Our thanks to those members who came forward and provided evidence to help our arguments.”

Four months of consultation

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, first announced his plans to ban ivory sales back in October 2017. The confirmed proposal has been reached after four months and 127,607 consultation responses.

The ban will come into effect once legislation can be passed.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members