Lyla Lindsey
Australia has long been criticised for its role in perpetuating the global ivory trade, with animal rights activists and politicians arguing that the country's acceptance of domestic ivory sales has enabled and validated the illegal poaching of elephants overseas. While Australia has had a ban on ivory imports since 1990, it has been legal to buy and sell ivory items within the country. In 2019, the Australian government announced its intention to ban the domestic trade of ivory, a decision that could help curb illegal poaching and protect elephant species from extinction. However, the implementation of this legislation remains uncertain, and Australia continues to grapple with the complex issue of ivory ownership and the broader implications for biodiversity and wildlife protection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ivory import ban | Since 1990 |
| Ivory trade ban | Announced in 2019 |
| Ivory items confiscated by Australian authorities | 322 imported and 79 exported |
| Ivory items in Australia | 50,000 traded annually |
| Ivory items globally | 35,000 ivory items from elephants annually |
| Ivory import exceptions | Scientific research, antiques with pre-CITES certificates |
| Ivory trade regulation | Wildlife Statutory Declaration form |
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What You'll Learn
Ivory imports have been banned in Australia since 1990
The Australian government has recognised the need for tighter regulations, with the Environment Minister announcing in 2019 that the country intended to close the domestic trade in elephant ivory and rhino horn. This decision aligns with global efforts to protect biodiversity and halt illegal poaching. However, as of 2024, the domestic trade in ivory remains legal in Australia, and the government is still working towards implementing a ban.
To bring ivory into or out of Australia, a permit is required. The import and export of ivory are restricted due to ivory's inclusion on the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) list. New ivory can only enter the country under limited circumstances, such as for scientific research. Vintage ivory may be imported with a pre-CITES certificate, indicating that the ivory was obtained before the species was listed on CITES in 1975.
The Australian Federal Government has developed a 'Wildlife Statutory Declaration' form to demonstrate the provenance of regulated wildlife items offered for domestic sale. While this form is not mandatory, it can help ensure the lawful presence of ivory items in Australia. The form should be accompanied by evidence of lawful import, such as invoices, travel documents, or old photographs.
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It is legal to buy and sell ivory domestically
Australia has had a ban on importing ivory since 1990. However, it is currently legal to buy and sell ivory items domestically. The Department of Environment and Energy has stated that it "does not regulate domestic sales of items containing elephant ivory and rhino horn". This means that while there are strict rules regarding the import and export of ivory, there are no such rules for domestic sales.
The legality of the domestic ivory trade in Australia is a highly contested issue. Animal rights activists and former Australian senator Lisa Singh have long campaigned for stricter laws, arguing that the domestic trade enables and validates illegal poaching of elephants overseas. They claim that the thousands of ivory items traded in Australia each year are often not accompanied by proof of being antique and could include newly poached ivory. Singh further asserts that Australia is being used as a 'back door' for poachers to get tusks and horns from the black market into the hands of wealthy art dealers and buyers.
In 2019, Australia announced its intention to ban the domestic trade of ivory and rhino horn. The nation's environment minister, Sussan Ley, made the announcement during a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Geneva. This decision was expected to help halt global poaching and protect endangered animals. However, as of 2024, the domestic trade in ivory remains legal, and advocates continue to push for the implementation of the ban.
The Australian Federal Government has developed a 'Wildlife Statutory Declaration' form, which is not mandatory but can be used to show provenance for domestic sales of ivory. This form should be accompanied by evidence of lawful import, such as invoices, receipts, travel documents, or other relevant documentation. While this form provides a level of regulation for domestic ivory sales, the absence of a complete ban on the domestic trade allows for potential loopholes and the continuation of the illegal ivory trade.
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Ivory items can be brought into Australia with a permit
To bring ivory into Australia, you will need to obtain a permit from the Australian government. The type of permit required may vary depending on the specific circumstances, such as whether the ivory is vintage or antique, and whether it is for personal use or commercial purposes. It is recommended to check the relevant Australian government websites and resources to determine the exact permit requirements for your situation. The processing time for permit applications is typically around 40 business days.
When bringing ivory into Australia, it is essential to provide proof of lawful import. This includes documentation such as invoices, receipts, travel documents, and any other relevant records that can establish the provenance of the ivory items. It is also important to ensure that the ivory is not derived from endangered species or obtained through illegal means, such as poaching. Australia has strict wildlife trade rules, and failure to comply with the permit conditions can result in legal consequences.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to ban the domestic trade of ivory in Australia. Animal rights activists and advocates have argued that the domestic ivory trade has fuelled the poaching of endangered elephant species and facilitated the illegal ivory trade. As a result, Australia has made steps towards legislating a ban on ivory sales, with the intention to protect vulnerable flora and fauna and halt illegal global poaching. While the ban has not yet been fully implemented, it is expected that Australia will continue to move towards stricter regulations around the ivory trade.
It is worth noting that other countries, such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and China, have already introduced legislation to ban the domestic trade in elephant ivory. Australia's commitment to protecting biodiversity and ending the illegal ivory trade is in line with the United Nations' Global Goals and international efforts to increase protection for elephants. By working together with other nations and implementing stricter regulations, Australia can contribute to the global effort to preserve and protect elephant species for future generations.
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Ivory trade fuels the poaching of endangered elephant species
Ivory is a highly sought-after commodity, with China being the largest consumer, importing an estimated 70% of the world's ivory. Other countries with large markets for ivory include the United States, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines. Ivory is considered a luxury item and is often seen as a status symbol, especially in parts of Asia. The high demand for ivory has led to a resurgence in the poaching of elephants, with at least 20,000 African elephants being illegally killed for their tusks each year. This rampant poaching epidemic is fueled by transnational organized crime syndicates, who profit from the illegal ivory trade and devastate elephant populations. Poaching has become increasingly sophisticated, with poachers often being part of organized crime operations and armed with military-grade weapons. Some terrorist groups have also been implicated in poaching activities.
The ivory trade poses a significant threat to the survival of African elephant species, with numbers in sharp decline. The savannah elephants in East and Southern Africa and the forest elephants of West and Central Africa are particularly at risk. In addition to the immediate threat to elephant populations, the ivory trade also has broader ecological consequences and endangers the lives and livelihoods of local communities and rangers employed to protect the wildlife. The illegal ivory trade also promotes corruption, destabilizes governments, and undermines the rule of law.
To combat the ivory trade and protect elephant species, international efforts have been made to restrict the trade. In 1989, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) announced an international ban on the trade of ivory. This was a landmark decision that demonstrated a global commitment to saving elephants from illegal traffickers. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong have all implemented bans on the ivory trade in recent years, and pressure is mounting on other Asian countries to follow suit.
While Australia has had a ban on importing ivory since 1990, it has allowed the domestic trade of ivory items. However, in 2019, Australia announced its intention to ban the domestic trade of ivory, recognizing that its acceptance of domestic ivory sales has fueled the poaching of endangered elephant species overseas. This decision is expected to help halt illegal global poaching and protect elephant species for future generations. Australia's environment minister, Sussan Ley, stated that steps would be taken to end the domestic trade in all jurisdictions.
To possess and trade ivory in Australia, one must have a permit and a 'Wildlife Statutory Declaration' form. This form, developed by the Australian Federal Government, is not mandatory but helps set out the provenance of regulated wildlife items offered for domestic sale. It should be accompanied by evidence of lawful import, such as invoices, receipts, travel documents, and old photographs. Australia's decision to ban the domestic trade of ivory is a positive step towards protecting endangered elephant species and combating the illegal ivory trade globally.
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Australia is working towards a ban on domestic ivory sales
Australia has long been a contributor to the global ivory trade, with thousands of ivory items traded within the country each year. However, in recent years, the Australian government has been working towards a ban on domestic ivory sales. This shift in policy is a response to growing concerns about the illegal poaching of elephants and the role that Australia's domestic ivory market may be playing in driving this trade.
While Australia has banned the import of ivory since 1990, the buying and selling of ivory items within the country have been legal. Animal rights activists and former Australian senator Lisa Singh have campaigned for stricter laws, arguing that Australia's domestic ivory market enables and validates illegal poaching. Singh called for a parliamentary committee to investigate the issue, and in 2019, the committee recommended abolishing the domestic ivory trade.
The Australian government has since announced its intention to ban the domestic trade of ivory. During a meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Geneva, Environment Minister Sussan Ley confirmed Australia's commitment to ending the domestic ivory trade. However, the details of how and when this legislation will be implemented remain unclear.
The ban on domestic ivory sales in Australia is expected to include a narrowly defined group of exemptions. Suggested exemptions include musical instruments containing less than 20% ivory and made before 1975, transactions between museums, and items deemed the 'rarest and most important'. To ensure the effectiveness of the ban, cooperation between the states, territories, and the Federal Government is necessary.
The Australian government's decision to work towards a ban on domestic ivory sales is a positive step towards protecting elephant populations and halting illegal poaching. However, it is important to recognize that more comprehensive efforts are needed to address the global ivory trade and save elephants from extinction.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not illegal to own ivory in Australia. However, it is illegal to import ivory into Australia without a permit.
Ivory can only be imported into Australia under very limited circumstances, such as for scientific research or if the item is vintage. A pre-CITES certificate is required to import ivory into Australia, proving that the ivory was obtained before the species was listed on CITES in 1975.
Yes, it is currently legal to buy and sell ivory items domestically in Australia. However, there have been calls for a ban on the domestic trade of ivory in Australia to help protect elephant species from poaching and illegal trade.
To obtain a permit for importing ivory into Australia, you need to fill out an online permit application form. The process typically takes around 40 business days. You will also need to provide documentation proving the provenance of the ivory, such as invoices, receipts, and travel documents.
