Ivory: Imports
(asked on 29th November 2016) - View Source
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of requests for the importation of ivory which have been rejected in the last five years; and if she will make a statement.
Import permits for bringing ivory into the UK are managed on behalf of Defra by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The number of permits refused in the last five years is shown below:
Ivory Type | Number of import permits refused |
Tusks | 7 |
Carvings | 34 |
On the 21 September 2016 the Secretary of State, announced plans for a ban on sales of modern day ivory – ivory that is less than 70 years old - putting UK rules on ivory sales among the world’s toughest.
The Government will consult on plans for the ban early next year, seeking views from conservationists, traders and other relevant parties to ensure clear rules and guidance for those operating within the law, while cracking down on illegal sales.