Domestic Trade Ban in Ivory

The domestic trade ban in elephant ivory came into effect on 1 September 2021. The Endangered Species (Import And Export) (Prohibition Of Sale) (Amendment) Notification 2021 prohibits the sale of elephant ivory and ivory products, and public display of elephant ivory and ivory products for the purpose of sale in Singapore. The public display of elephant ivory or ivory products for educational or religious purposes is permitted under the Endangered Species (Import And Export) (Display Of Elephant Ivory — Exemption) Order 2021.

Any individual or company found to have contravened the ban shall face the following penalties:

• A fine of up to S$200,000 per specimen (not exceeding aggregate of S$1,000,000 or the market value of all specimens at the material time, whichever is higher); and/or
• Imprisonment for up to 8 years.

This nationwide ban highlights Singapore’s resolve in the fight against illegal trade in species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). While NParks is the national authority responsible for the implementation and enforcement of CITES in Singapore, we work closely with partner enforcement agencies and stakeholders to maintain vigilance and tackle illegal trade of CITES-listed species. Everyone can play their part to help support the conservation of elephants by not using or buying elephant ivory or ivory products.

For more information on the domestic ivory ban, please refer to the frequently asked questions.