Ivory Domestic Trade in S’pore To Be Completely Banned

By
Zhi Hao
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Singaporeans care a lot about the ivory trade.

In fact, when the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Singapore launched an ivory online store in Singapore as part of a publicity stunt, Singaporeans went crazy.

Well, you don’t have to go crazy anymore. 

According to Straits Times, Singapore will be banning the domestic trade of elephant ivory from 1 September 2021…

And the sale of elephant ivory and ivory products, as well as the public display of such products for marketing purposes will be prohibited once the ban comes into play.

Ivory Domestic Trade in S’pore To Be Banned

Lest you’re unaware, Singapore’s a signatory to Cites, under which international trade in elephant ivory has been prohibited since 1990.

And to highlight Singapore’s resolve in the fight against the illegal trade, the nation will be banning the domestic trade of elephant ivory from 1 September 2021.

From thereon, all sales of elephant ivory and ivory products, as well as the public display of such products for marketing purposes, will be prohibited in Singapore.

Exceptional cases

Once the ban’s in effect, traders can donate their stock to institutions for educational purposes or keep them.

NParks has also expressed an intention to work with traders, in order to ensure a smooth transition.

There will, however, be exceptional cases for the keeping of elephant ivory.

“Public display of elephant ivory or ivory products for educational or religious purposes will continue to be permitted.

“Similarly, those who own musical instruments and personal effects like birdcages that contain ivory may continue to use them in public,” it added.

So if you’ve such items in your possession, worry not;

They’ll still be fair game even after 2021.

99% supportive

According to Straits Times, the ban on elephant ivory comes after a public consultation with the public. Conducted on government feedback Reach from November to December 2018, results showed that 99 per cent of the feedback received was supportive of the move.

Meanwhile, Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Director-General of Wildlife Trade Control, has this to say:

“It is timely that we are announcing the domestic ban of trade in ivory on World Elephant Day. NParks, as the national authority that enforces Cites in Singapore, is committed to stopping the trade of elephant ivory and its products for the conservation and protection of the world’s elephants. This is aligned with the views shared by the community who are similarly concerned about the impact that trade in elephant ivory has on the animal’s population numbers.”

“But wait, what if I have elephant ivory and choose not to declare it?” you ask. “What penalties do I face?”

Well, according to reports, you’re liable to be charged under the Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act. You may also be fined up to $10,000 per specimen, not exceeding $100,000 in total, and/or jailed for up to 12 months.

For more information, you can visit the NParks website, refer to a list of FAQs or write into NParks at [email protected].

Share this with that friend who constantly smuggles elephant ivory in and out of the country! 🙂 I think they’ll appreciate the read.

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Zhi Hao
Email: [email protected]