Unfortunately, commercial trade in ivory is still alive and well in many parts of the world despite international bans. The primary market for ivory is Asia, particularly China. There is a large demand from Chinese buyers for luxury items such as carvings and jewelry made from ivory, which perpetuates poaching and illegal trade.
The problem has become particularly rampant in Africa, where poachers have killed off large numbers of elephants and rhinoceroses for their tusks and horns. This poaching not only threatens endangered species, but also affects indigenous cultures and economies that rely on a thriving wildlife.
The illegal trade of ivory has also been linked to organized crime and terrorism, as organizations use it to finance their activities. Sadly, until people stop buying ivory and its derivatives, poachers will continue to hunt and kill these majestic animals.
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Who is the biggest buyer of ivory?
The biggest buyer of ivory is China. It is estimated that 80% of ivory purchases in the world come from China, primarily due to its long cultural history of using ivory in decoration and jewelry. This demand has contributed heavily to the decimation of the elephant population, as ivory is primarily sourced from illegal poaching activities.
China is currently the only legal importer of African ivory and has supported efforts to reduce or eliminate poaching, but the Chinese demand for ivory still represents a significant obstacle for elephant conservation.
Who buys the most ivory in the world?
Understanding who buys the most ivory in the world is difficult, due to the obscure and illegal nature of most ivory markets. That said, many reports have found that the primary buyers of ivory come from affluent nations in East Asia, especially China.
In particular, a 2019 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature found that China, the United States, the Philippines, and Vietnam were the biggest importers of confiscated ivory between 2016 and 2018.
During this period, China imported the most ivory, amounting to over 4 tonnes. It is estimated that over 70% of the world’s exported ivory goes to China.
In addition, a 2015 study from TRAFFIC and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) found that because China is the world’s largest market for ivory, the trading and demand for ivory has more than doubled in the 2000s.
However, since the Chinese government has taken steps in trying to reduce ivory demand, there has been a slight decrease in the buying and selling of ivory in recent years (2020).
Overall, despite the reduction in Chinese ivory purchasing in recent years, it is clear that China is the biggest purchaser of ivory in the world. Further policies and stricter enforcement of ivory trading laws are needed to stem the ivory trade, and to prevent the extinction of endangered species like elephants.
Where can I sell my ivory?
Unfortunately, it is illegal to sell ivory in most countries as it is considered a protected species. The ivory trade is highly regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which outlines the international rules for trading in protected species of animals and plants.
In the United States, trading in ivory is prohibited in the majority of states, with a few exceptions for antique ivory items that are older than 100 years. If you are looking to sell your ivory, you should first contact a qualified antique appraiser to evaluate the ivory to make sure it meets the requirements in your jurisdiction.
Additionally, you may want to contact your state wildlife department or relevant conservation agency to make sure you have the correct paperwork and permits needed before selling your item.
Is it legal to sell second hand ivory?
No, it is not legal to sell second hand ivory. In 1989, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was established to regulate international trade in endangered species of plants and animals, including the elephant, from which ivory derives.
CITES has put a moratorium on the international trade in ivory, as part of efforts to protect the elephants from poaching. Under CITES, it is illegal for anyone to trade in any ivory that is not clearly pre-convention (meaning pre-CITES restrictions), which means second-hand ivory is also illegal.
Even if the ivory was acquired before 1989, it is still illegal to sell it. Additionally, the ivory must have the proper CITES documentation in order to be exported or imported. In the US, the federal Endangered Species Act bans the sale of most second-hand ivory items in the US.
Even if the ivory was acquired before the prohibition, it is still illegal to sell.
Is real ivory worth anything?
The value of real ivory depends on several factors, including scarcity, quality, size, and condition. In general, antique ivory carvings from the 19th and early 20th centuries are the most valuable, but most ivory today is prohibited from commercial sale in many countries.
Even if ivory is legal in some regions, it is important to abide by international laws and regulations for the sale of ivory. Due to a decrease in demand, the value of real ivory has decreased significantly in recent years.
Depending on the aforementioned factors, a piece of real ivory will typically sell for anywhere between $500 and $5000 or even more.
How much is ivory worth today?
The value of ivory today can vary greatly depending on where you look. Unregulated ivory can sell for anywhere from tens of dollars to hundreds of dollars per kilogram. Regulated ivory, however, has an ever lower price; it is greatly affected by the regulations placed on trade, which limit the supply of ivory in circulation.
The online price of ivory is anywhere between $5 to $15 per pound or $900 to $1700 per kilogram.
Ivory is also unique in that the price of antique ivory can be incredibly high; it can range from hundreds of dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Many antique pieces of ivory come from around 1700 or 1800, and are coveted by collectors.
There is also a heavy emphasis placed on the aesthetics of the ivory; for example, carved ivory pieces can be worth much more than raw ivory, with intricate carvings fetching an even higher price from collectors.
In recent times, ivory values have been highly affected by stricter regulations, set in place to protect species like the elephant from overhunting. As a result of these regulations, the values of ivory have gone down significantly, making it more difficult to find unregulated ivory on the market today.
Can you get ivory appraised?
Yes, you can get ivory appraised. An appraisal is the process of determining the value of an item, either for insurance purposes or for sale. If you have ivory that you wish to have appraised, it is important to do so through a qualified appraiser who is familiar with ivory and can give a fair and accurate evaluation.
An appraiser should provide documents and photographs with the appraisal, as well as access to any other resources necessary to complete the evaluation. Additionally, the appraiser should be familiar with not only the traditional methods of ascertaining the worth of ivory, but also any new criteria or regulations that may have been set by relevant governmental bodies.
Depending on the type of ivory and the purpose of the appraisal, it may be necessary to get the item evaluated by a laboratory or even X-rayed to ensure accuracy. Ultimately, it’s important to find a qualified, experienced appraiser in order to get the most accurate appraisal possible.
Is owning old ivory illegal?
Yes, owning old ivory is generally illegal in many countries, including the United States. While it may be possible to own ivory that is more than 100 years old, many countries are now cracking down on the illegal ivory trade, and they largely consider even antique ivory to be illegal.
Depending on the country and the laws that govern it, it may also be illegal to buy and/or sell ivory, as well as to transport it across international borders. Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that in many places, it is difficult for authorities to accurately determine the age of antique ivory, so it is essential to be knowledgeable about the applicable laws before buying or selling any ivory at all.
Is there still a market for ivory?
No, there is not a market for ivory. The ivory trade has been widely condemned for many years and international bans, such as the 1989 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, have greatly reduced its availability.
In recent years, a number of domestic ivory bans have been implemented to further protect populations of at-risk animals from exploitation. The majority of commercial ivory trading is conducted illegally, as most countries and wildlife organizations have acknowledged that legal sales of ivory fuel illegal poaching and contribute to animal extinction.
In addition, due to heightened awareness around the devastating environmental and moral implications of the ivory trade, many countries, international organizations, and individuals have stopped using ivory in any capacity, both legal and illegal.
Ivory sales have become socially and culturally unacceptable, deterring the public from any association with it. Furthermore, individual nations are enacting further restrictions on the ivory trade, such as closing ivory registration and controlling movement of ivory within the country, further eliminating any market for ivory.
For all these reasons, it is safe to say that there is no longer a market for ivory and it is unlikely to become available in any significant capacity in the future. The only way that ivory may become available is if it is sourced legally with strict traceability and issued in limited quantities.
Such a situation is highly unlikely and would require tremendous oversight.
Can you still sell ivory?
No, it is illegal to sell ivory in many countries, including the United States, although it is still legal to possess ivory that was acquired before 1990. The 1990 U. S. Ivory Ban enforces the African Elephant Conservation Act, which makes it illegal to obtain and sell ivory from African elephants.
This ban also applies to products containing ivory, such as jewelry. Other countries, such as China, also have laws preventing the sale of ivory within their country. Most countries and international communities agreed to an international ban on the ivory trade in 1989, making it illegal to buy, sell, or transport ivory in most countries.
There are only a few exceptions to this international ban, such as the legal sale of antique ivory items with a certification of authenticity that proves the ivory is more than 100 years old.
Can old ivory be sold?
The sale of old ivory is generally prohibited in many countries around the world. The sale and purchase of ivory is closely regulated by laws in some countries due to the potential for ivory to be from illegal sources or from endangered species.
As a result, it is often not possible to buy and sell old ivory, either privately or at antique dealers, unless it is certified as pre-ban ivory. Pre-ban ivory is ivory that was harvested before a certain year, as designated by the country’s laws.
In the United States, pre-ban ivory must come from an elephant that was killed before the year 1989. To legally possess and sell pre-ban ivory, it must be documented with a certificate that proves it predates the relevant law.
Additionally, some U. S. states prohibit the sale of ivory, regardless of its origin. In the United Kingdom, pre-ban ivory must come from an elephant that was killed before the year 1947. It must be accompanied by a valid CITES certificate and any further documentation to prove its origin.
As such, it can be difficult to qualify old ivory for sale, as it must meet specific criteria. To find out about the specific laws surrounding ivory in your area, you should contact your local wildlife authority.
What states is it illegal to own ivory?
It is illegal to own ivory in many different states and jurisdictions, including the United States, California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Hawaii, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia.
In addition, several other states have proposed legislation to ban the sale and possession of ivory, including Arizona and New Mexico. Additionally, several municipalities in the United States, such as NYC and San Francisco, also have enacted laws that prohibit ownership of ivory.
In other countries, including many European countries, the sale and possession of ivory is also prohibited.
Can I sell ivory on eBay?
No, you cannot sell ivory on eBay. In 2008, eBay instituted a global ban on the sale of ivory products on its platform to help reduce critical animal populations and preserve endangered species. The ban applies to any product that contains elephant, mammoth, narwhal, walrus or whale ivory and all forms of ivory, including antiques.
Furthermore, verifiable documentation is essential when making claims that any product is not ivory. Selling ivory on eBay is illegal and a violation of eBay’s policy.
What do poachers do with ivory?
Poachers often harvest ivory illegally and then sell it on the black market where it can fetch a high price. The majority of illegal ivory is sold in China, Thailand, and Nigeria, where it is used to craft jewelry, carvings, traditional medicines, and luxury items.
Some ivory is also used to make chopsticks and other items used in Chinese and Japanese traditions. Poachers make a large profit by selling the ivory on the black market, as it can sell for thousands of dollars per kilogram.
Once the ivory is sold to the black market, it can be nearly impossible to trace or recover. Furthermore, its illegal nature typically prevents other legal or conservation efforts from intervening. The illegal ivory trade represents a significant threat to the survival of elephants and other species, as poachers are killing hundreds of animals each year for their ivory.
