Ivory Ban and Trading Instruments

The ivory ban came into force 6 June 2022. The Ivory Act 2018 prohibits dealing in ivory items unless they meet one of five narrow and carefully defined exemptions and are either registered or have an exemption certificate. The MU previously reported and provided information on registration and guidance for those trading instruments containing ivory.

Registering items through the ivory digital service

The Government has now the ivory digital service, launched on 24 February 2022. This service allows people to register or apply for an exemption certificate for ivory items they would like to deal in.

Read our MU members only advice on re-registering multiple items.

From 6 June 2022, you cannot deal in items containing or made of elephant ivory under the Ivory Act 2018 unless they are registered as exempt or certified as exempt.

If you have an instrument containing Ivory that is pre 1918 and of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical value, you can apply for an exemption certificate.

Both buyer and seller are responsible

DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) confirm that it’s the responsibility of anyone intending to be involved in a sale or purchase of an ivory item to find out if the item contains or is made of elephant ivory. If the item does contain or is made of ivory, it will be assumed to be elephant ivory unless you can prove otherwise.

If you buy an ivory item, you, as well as the seller, are responsible for checking that it can be lawfully sold or hired out. If you break the law, you could be fined up to £250,000 or risk up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

Find out the detailed guidance on dealing in items made of ivory or containing ivory.