Implementation of the Ivory Act

The Ivory Act 2018 (the “Act”) will come into force on 6 June 2022. From this date, the ivory ban will be in place, and it will be illegal to deal in ivory items unless they have a valid registration or exemption certificate. This can be found here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2022/311/contents/made

Click here for The Ivory Prohibition (Civil Sanctions) Regulations 2022>>

From now until 6 June 2022 if you have an item, you consider meets one of the exemptions you can register it or apply for an exemption certificate ahead of the ban coming into force. From 6 June 2022 it will be illegal to deal in ivory items unless they are registered or have an exemption certificate.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) are responsible for regulating the Act. Offences under the Act may result in a civil sanction or criminal prosecution.

Guidance on enforcement and civil sanctions is due to be published soon. If you intend to deal in ivory items in the future, take a look at this other guidance setting out the requirements under the Act:

• Main guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dealing-in-items-containing-ivory-or-made-of-ivory
• Buyer guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/buy-or-hire-an-ivory-item
• Pre-1918 outstandingly high artistic, cultural and historical value item guide: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ivory-apply-for-an-exemption-certificate-to-deal-in-pre-1918-outstandingly-high-artistic-cultural-or-historical-value-items

Click here to access the ivory service to register an item or apply for an exemption certificate>>