The European union intends to ban raw ivory exports from beginning of this year , according to official figures seen by The Guardian . Europe currently sells greater quantities of both raw and carved ivory worldwide than any other region . The international trade in the material has been broadly banned since 1990 . However , European traders are allowed to import ivory “ illegally ” prior to that date . This system is open to exploitation by traffickers using false certificates for poached ivory . Exemptions will be added to the proposals for cultural artefacts , scientific specimens and heirlooms .
The European Union intends to ban raw ivory exports from July of this year, according to draft documents seen by The Guardian. Europe currently sells greater quantities of both raw and carved ivory worldwide than any other region. The international trade in the material has been broadly banned since 1990. However, European traders are allowed to export ivory “harvested” prior to that date. This system is open to abuse by traffickers using false certificates for poached ivory. Exemptions will be made to the proposals for cultural artefacts, scientific specimens and heirlooms.