In Plain English
AI-generatedThe Ivory Act 2018 tightens controls on ivory trading in the UK to help protect elephants. It restricts the sale and dealing in ivory and imposes penalties for breaches. The act has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Key Points
- Tightens controls on ivory trading in the UK to protect elephants.
- Prohibits most commercial sales of ivory and introduces penalties for non-compliance.
- Provides enforcement powers for authorities to tackle illegal trade.
- Two proposed amendments (New Clause 1 and New Clause 2) were debated and defeated in July 2018.
- Applies to import and export of ivory as part of its trade controls.
Progress
The bill has completed its passage and received Royal Assent, becoming law. Two amendments proposed on 4 July 2018 were defeated.
Voting
Two amendments were put to the vote on 4 July 2018 and both were defeated. Labour, SNP, Lib Dems, Independents and Plaid Cymru voted in favour of the amendments, while Conservative MPs, DUP and Reform UK opposed; Sinn Féin neither Aye nor No recorded.
Who is affected?
Ivory traders and dealersAntique shops and auction housesMuseums and other institutions with ivory itemsPrivate owners and collectors of ivoryImporters/exporters of ivory and cross-border tradersLaw enforcement and border control agenciesWildlife charities and conservation organisationsThe general public (as consumers and potential sellers)
Generated 21 February 2026