The position on the trade in antique ivory by the Conservative government has so far been unclear. In its 2017 manifesto it omitted any promise relating to a total ban on ivory. This was in contrast to its 2015 and 2010 version, which pledged an outright ban on the trade in ivory.
The antiques trade had been hopeful the Conservative party would pursue a plan that allowed for the exception of antiques containing ivory on cultural or historic grounds.
During a debate in parliament on the illegal wildlife trade, Johnson answered Stuart McDonald, MP for Cumbernauld, who had said: “There is increasing evidence that the UK’s legal ivory market has been used as cover for illegal trade. What discussions will the foreign secretary have with colleagues about an all-out ban on the ivory trade, as has previously been committed to?”
Any decision would be taken by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Services (DEFRA), now led by Michael Gove.
Other nations that have issued so-called total bans on ivory, such as China, Hong Kong and Europe, have also made allowances for antique objects or those with cultural or historic importance.
Post-1947 ivory
Last September, the then environment secretary Andrea Leadsom launched a plan to stamp out the trade in all post-1947 ivory. A consultation was due to be launched on the matter but is on hold.
Currently, UK law is in line with the United Nations’ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES). The sale of items containing ivory dated between 1947 and the present day is banned. Trade in ‘worked’ items dating from before 1947 are permitted. The UK already has a total ban on trade in raw tusks - ‘unworked’ ivory - of any age.
UK trade associations representing the art and antiques sector are supportive of steps to end the illegal trade in poached modern ivory. However, they argue the trade in antique objects containing ivory should be allowed and believe the trade in genuine antiques and works of art with ivory elements does not support the illicit market for poached ivory.
