The trade in ivory is now largely prohibited in the European Union (EU). A legislative package came into force on Tuesday that severely restricts imports, exports and intra-EU trade in white gold. The EU Commission had adopted the measures in December, and they have now been published in the official EU official journal.
The law provides for a few exceptions, for example raw ivory may only be traded for repairs to ancient artifacts. Processed ivory may only be traded if the objects are older than 1947 and have a corresponding certificate. The year 1975 is the limit for musical instruments. However, some of the objects and instruments may only be sold to museums.
The commission wrote in its December notice that an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 African elephants are being illegally killed for their ivory each year. Internationally, the commercial trade in ivory has actually been banned since 1989 by the Washington Convention on Cites. However, numerous exemptions offer opportunities for fraud and violations. (dpa)