I note today that the US Government has just crushed around six tons of
ivory (tusks, jewellery etc.) that it confiscated at ports and airports in the
USA as people tried and thankfully failed to make illegal imports. Ivory is on the Annex A list of products /
raw materials under the CITES convention – forbidden to ship. The American Government feels that
destroying the confiscated ivory – putting it beyond use – is the best way to
deter the smugglers and poachers. Other
countries are holding large stockpiles of confiscated ivory with mixed views on
what is best to do with it.
The rules on the international movement of ivory are very strict, even
as personal possessions so take care if you want to keep your possessions.
