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Policy Enforcement of African Ivory Ban
Fish and Wildlife Service
For Release June 27, 1989
Patricia Fisher 202-343-5634
Elizabeth Lipscomb 202-343-5634
Fish & Wildlife Service Issues Policy Enforcing
African Ivory Ban
Secretary of the Interior Manuel Lujan today announced the Interior
Department's U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's policy for enforcing the
June 9 ban on importation of African elephant ivory into the United
States.
Under the ban, it is illegal to import African elephant ivory from
any country. This ban covers commercial and non-commercial shipments
(including through the mail) of raw or worked (carved) ivory, including
antiques and items in personal accompanying baggage or household ef-
fects.
"Through its Law Enforcement Division, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service is working closely with the U.S. Customs Service, which is the
first line of defense against unlawful importations," Secretary Lujan
said. "By informing the public of this ban on ivory, we hope to prevent
violations and serve the interest of elephant conservation."
The following are the only exceptions to the ban on the importation
of ivory:
o Importation of legally taken sport-hunted trophies with
proper documentation is permitted from the following ele-
phant-producing countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Central
African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique,
South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
o Shipments of ivory (both commercial and non-commercial)
consigned to a carrier on or before June 9, 1989, will be
allowed to be imported into the United States.
o Items taken abroad for personal use prior to June 9, 1989,
by U.S. citizens may be reimported provided they were reg-
istered with U.S. Customs prior to exportation.
o Tourist souvenirs purchased before June 9, 1989 and im-
ported before July 9, 1989, are permitted with accompany-
ing documentation, such as a sales receipt.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service cautions that U.S. citizens should
take measures to protect ivory goods they already own but plan to take
out of the country. These items must be properly registered prior to
departure with a U.S. Customs officer by filling out a certificate of
registration (Customs Form 4457).
If a person acquires ivory not covered by these limited exemptions
and brings it into the United States, it is a violation of the law. The
goods will be seized and the traveler may be subject to a fine of
$5,000.
Americans planning to travel abroad should check with their local
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Law Enforcement or U.S. Customs offices for
information concerning ivory.
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