With great sadness and unnecessary cultural loss, Antique Ivory can no longer be traded in the UK except in exceptional circumstances.
Ivory has been used in the decorative arts for its beauty and versatility. However, it's essential to note that due to concerns about the ethical and environmental implications of ivory trade, regulations have been put in place to restrict its use and trade in many parts of the world, including England.
Historical Uses of Ivory in Decorative Arts:
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Carvings and Sculptures:
Ivory's fine-grained and smooth texture made it an ideal material for intricate carvings and sculptures. Skilled artisans would create exquisite figurines, statuettes, and religious objects from ivory. -
Inlays and Ornaments:
Ivory was often used as an inlay material in furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. Its creamy white colour and ability to take on intricate designs made it a favoured choice for adding elegance to various objects. -
Jewellery:
Ivory was crafted into jewellery pieces, including rings, bracelets, and pendants. Its unique appearance and durability made it desirable for both ornamental and functional uses. -
Netsuke:
In Japan, ivory was commonly used to create small, detailed sculptures called netsuke. These miniature carvings were used as toggles to secure cords or sashes to a kimono, showcasing the skill of the artist and the beauty of the material. -
Piano Keys:
Historically, piano keys were often made from ivory due to its smooth surface and ability to withstand frequent use. However, modern pianos now use synthetic materials as a more sustainable alternative.
Updated Law in England: Ivory Act 2018 & Amendments
1. Ivory Act 2018 — Core Provisions
The Ivory Act 2018, which received Royal Assent on 20 December 2018, imposes a near-total ban on the commercial dealing in items containing ivory from elephant and several other species, unless specific exemptions apply .
The ban came into full effect on 6 June 2022, marking the prohibition of the trade in elephant ivory .
2. Expanded Species Coverage (since 28 January 2025)
Under the Ivory Act 2018 (Meaning of “Ivory” and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025, the ban has been extended to cover ivory from additional species:
Common hippopotamus
**Killer whale (orca)**
Narwhal
Sperm whale
These regulations came into force on 28 January 2025 .
3. Exemptions (Five Narrow Categories)
Even with broad prohibitions, there are five specific exemptions under which commercial dealing is permitted—provided the item qualifies and is properly registered or certified:
1. Musical instruments made before 1975 containing less than 20% ivory by volume .
2. Items made before 3 March 1947 with less than 10% ivory by volume, where all the ivory is integral to the item .
3. Portrait miniatures made before 1918, with a total ivory surface area of no more than 320 cm² .
4. Items intended for acquisition or hire by qualifying museums .
5. Items made before 1918 that are of “outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical value”—these require a formal exemption certificate .
4. Registration & Certification Process
Standard exemptions (first four categories): require registration through the APHA system—cost is typically £20 per item or £50 for a group (3–20 items) .
The exemption certificate (for pre‑1918 items of outstanding value): costs £250. Approval involves expert evaluation, and it may take up to three months to receive a decision .
5. Enforcement, Penalties & Prescribed Institutions
Penalties for breach remain severe: up to £250,000 in fines or five years in prison for criminal offenses. Lesser breaches may face civil sanctions .
Enforcement is conducted by APHA, assisted by police, customs, and accredited civilian officers. Powers include stopping and searching premises, seizing items, serving notices, and investigating across borders .
Process and Procedure Amendment Regulations 2025 (UKSI) have expanded the list of “Prescribed Institutions” authorized to advise on exemption applications. New additions include:
National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside;
National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland;
National Museum of Wales .
Summary Table
Aspect Details (as of August 2025)
Species Covered Elephant, common hippo, killer whale, narwhal, sperm whale
Main Restrictions Ban on buying, selling, hiring, advertising, importing/exporting for trade
Exemptions (5) 1. Pre‑1975 musical instruments (<20%)<br>2. Pre‑1947 items (<10%)<br>3. Pre‑1918 portrait miniatures (≤320 cm²)<br>4. Qualifying museum acquisitions/hire<br>5. Pre‑1918 exceptional items (certified)
Registration Fees £20/item (standard) / £50 (group)
Certificate Fee £250 for outstanding value exemption
Lead Authority APHA (enforcement by APHA, police, customs)
Penalties Up to £250k fine or 5 years imprisonment (criminal); civil sanctions for lesser offences
Prescribed Institutions Expanded to include Welsh and Northern Irish museum bodies
Additional Notes
The restrictions are UK-wide, applying across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland .
Even items imported legally cannot be sold later in the UK unless properly exempted .
It is also an offence to arrange or facilitate sales (including abroad) while physically in the UK—for example, emailing details or advertising items from within the country can breach the law .
Walrus ivory is excluded from this Act. It remains subject to the Seal Products Regulations 2010, enforced separately—penalties up to £75,000 for non-compliance .
