Tighter Import Rules for Ivory and Horn

Summary#

This is a proposed change to the Wild Animal and Plant Trade Regulations under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act. Published in the Canada Gazette on June 24, 2023, the proposal would tighten rules on importing and exporting elephant tusk (ivory) and rhinoceros horn; it is a proposal, not yet law, and there is a 30 days comment period after publication.

What it does#

• Limits when permits for raw elephant tusks and raw rhinoceros horns can be issued. Permits would only be allowed when the specimen is for:
  • a museum or zoo,
  • scientific research, or
  • law enforcement activities (for example, evidence for prosecutions or forensic analysis).
• Effectively prohibits most trade in raw tusks and raw horns, including many hunting trophies.
• Removes the current permit exemption for worked (carved or shaped) tusk and horn that are personal or household effects. That means:
  • All worked ivory and worked rhino horn moving into or out of Canada would now require an import or export permit.
• Clarifies that, under the proposal, no elephant tusk or rhinoceros horn shipment is automatically exempt from a permit.

Who's affected#

• Individuals who own or move personal items containing worked ivory or worked horn (for example, heirlooms, musical instruments, or small antiques).
• People who hunt abroad and hoped to bring back raw tusks or horns as trophies.
• Businesses such as moving companies, auction houses, antique dealers, taxidermists, outfitters and travel agencies that handle items containing ivory or horn.
• Museums, zoos, researchers and law enforcement (they would still be eligible for permits).
• Indigenous groups raised in consultations (for example, the National Inuit Wildlife Committee) expressed concern about potential future effects on trade in non-elephant ivories like walrus and narwhal; the proposal does not change rules for Canadian wildlife, but the concern remains.
• The general public may notice increased border checks and enforcement activity.

If it is unclear who will be affected in a specific case, the proposal says permits will be required and authorities will decide case by case.

Why it matters#

• The government says the aim is to reduce Canada’s role in the international trade in ivory and rhino horn to help protect declining elephant and rhinoceros populations.
• The proposal would make it easier for border officers to spot and monitor ivory and horn shipments by removing exemptions and tightening permit rules.
• The government estimates total costs of about $5.7 million over 10 years to implement and enforce the change, including roughly $5.5 million to the federal government and $240,000 in extra administrative costs to individuals (moving personal/household items).
• Canada currently imports only small amounts (about 14 raw elephant tusks and 2 raw rhinoceros horns per year on average, 2015–2021), so officials expect the overall market impact in Canada to be small — but some hunters, businesses and owners of affected items would face new paperwork or restrictions.
• The proposal would bring Canada more in line with stricter rules in places like the United States and the United Kingdom.
• Because this is a proposal, the rules are not final. The Canada Gazette notice invites public comments for 30 days after publication.