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A nationwide ban on domestic trade in elephant ivory will come into effect in a few days on September 1, 2021.
National ban on the sale of elephant ivory
This means that the sale of elephant ivory and ivory products will be banned in Singapore, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on August 27.
In addition, public display of elephant ivory and ivory products for the purpose of sale will also be prohibited.
From September 1, after the ban goes into effect, those found offering elephant ivory, or ivory products, for sale, or displaying such items for the purpose of sale, may be charged under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
The offense is punishable by a fine of up to S $ 10,000 per specimen, not exceeding S $ 100,000 in total and / or up to 12 months imprisonment if convicted.
NParks said the nationwide ban highlights Singapore’s determination in combating illegal trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES ).
A total ban on the domestic trade in elephant ivory was first raised in parliament by MP Louis Ng in 2017.
The decision on a total ban was first announced in 2019 after a public consultation.
Previously, the local sale of ivory was still allowed if the sellers can provide that their ivory was imported before 1990, or was acquired before the elephants were classified as endangered by CITES.
Since 2019, traders had two years to either donate their ivory to institutions for educational purposes or to keep it.
Certain purposes not intended for the sale of ivory will continue to be permitted. These include the public display of ivory for educational or religious purposes.
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Top image by ROSLAN RAHMAN / AFP / Getty Images
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