Understanding the New Amendments to the Ivory Prohibitions in the UK

The UK government has recently introduced amendments to the Ivory Prohibitions regulations, specifically targeting the process and procedures related to exemptions under the Ivory Act 2018. This act primarily aims to curb the ivory trade within the UK, effectively contributing to global efforts against the poaching of elephants and other ivory-bearing species.

Key Changes

The 2025 amendment, officially known as The Ivory Prohibitions (Exemptions) (Process and Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, updates the existing framework in two main ways:

1. Expansion of Expertise Network: The amendment adds three new institutions to the list of organizations that can advise the Secretary of State on applications for exemptions. These institutions are chosen for their expertise in assessing whether certain ivory items meet the criteria for exemption under the act. This expansion aims to streamline the process, reducing waiting times for exemption certificates necessary for legal dealings in specific ivory items.

2. Clarification and Consistency: The amendment also addresses previous feedback by ensuring the precise naming and identification of these institutions, aligning with corrections made in earlier regulations. This step enhances clarity and consistency in the legislative text.

Why These Changes Matter

The primary goal of these amendments is to bolster the UK's commitment to ending illegal ivory trade by making the exemption process more efficient and robust. By increasing the number of qualified institutions, the government hopes to expedite the assessment process, thus supporting businesses that legitimately trade in historical ivory items without compromising on conservation efforts.

What Stays the Same

Despite these changes, the core objective of the Ivory Act remains intact. The Act still prohibits any commercial activities involving ivory unless an exemption certificate is obtained. These exemptions are rare and apply only to items of significant artistic, cultural, or historical value, specifically those created before 1918.

Impact and Consultation

The amendments are expected to have minimal impact on businesses, charities, or voluntary bodies due to their targeted nature. The government opted not to hold a public consultation for these specific changes, considering them procedural rather than substantive. However, the overall implementation of the Ivory Act was subject to extensive consultation in 2021, ensuring that stakeholders' views were considered in shaping the legislation.

Looking Ahead

The updated regulations will come into force on May 15, 2025. The government will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the legislation and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of global efforts to protect endangered species from the threats posed by the ivory trade.