Hong Kong to Ban Trade in Most Elephant Ivory, Impose Stiffer Penalties
Hong Kong will implement a three-step plan to phase out trade in elephant ivory by the end of 2021, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora said in a notice. Effective May 1, 2018,…
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the import and re-export of all elephant hunting trophies and non pre-convention ivory items will be banned, and relevant penalties increased significantly to a maximum fine of over $1 million and imprisonment for 10 years. The new penalties will apply to all CITEs-listed species, including elephants, CITES said. Then, beginning Aug. 1, 2018, the import and re-export of pre-convention ivory, except antique ivory, will be banned, with import of antique ivory requiring an import permit in addition to an export permit. Finally, beginning Dec. 31, 2021, local trade in elephant ivory (except antique ivory) will be banned.