Still, it remained legal to sell lawfully imported ivory within the country, which conservationists argue has given cover to those trading in poached ivory because its essentially impossible for law enforcement to tell the difference without expensive testing. American Cruise Lines.
The majority agreed that it is very common to see ivory when they are staging an estate sale. A. Read more stories about wildlife crime and exploitation on Wildlife Watch.
ivory further subject discussion Dating tests cost hundreds of dollars. The value of antique ivory held in the U.S. is unclear. 
CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Prohibiting the sale of mammoth ivory at the state level is an important part of cracking down on illegal elephant ivory sales because the ability to mix mammoth and elephant ivory together along the trade chain and at its point of sale is one of ways that elephant ivory is smuggled into the United States and sold in stores as mammoth or bone. A near total ban on the trade of African and Asian elephant ivory went into effect in the United States on July 6, 2016. That's approximately 96 elephants killed per day or 1 every 15 minutes. Also provided to the buyer after the sale. As a professional, liability in the estate sale industry is something to be concerned with, some liabilities can and will be handled by your insurance company but liabilities that involve government regulations are strictly your responsibility and must be avoided all together. The grain marks in Asian ivory also have sharper peaks, and they zig-zag a bit more. The Ivory doesnt account for more than 50% of the value of the item. How we went from hunter-gatherers to monument builders, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC.
INTERPOL estimates that seizures represent only 10 percent of the actual amount of trafficked goods. The New York Times recently covered a story in 2016 where antique dealers were charged with the illegal sales of ivory priced at 4.5 million dollars. Almost all companies know theres an ivory trade ban, yet a quick online search will lead to various ivory carvings listed for sale, this tends to cause a bit of confusion leaving many wondering whether to sell, destroy, or donate the ivory items they find. The estate sale industry is not currently regulated by a governing body. If its allowed in your state, maybe, but youll also have to meet federal requirements. When the ban was first announced, it left antique dealers, and auction houses in a tough spot! Registration for newly acquired ivory has never been a requirement in the U.S., so most antiques typically dont have proof-of-age paperwork. He also notes that in the antiques world prices fluctuate as items go in and out of style, and it wont really hurt dealers if any one type of item becomes unpopular and difficult to sell. Update July 1, 2016 Since the 1970s, the U.S. government has periodically updated its regulatory regime governing the sale, trade, import and export of elephant ivory. Connect with other professionals on the biggest Facebook Group for estate sale companies. ivory trade tikalon better times We also recommend you consult the USFWS resource "What can I do with my African elephant ivory?" Indonesia's giant capital city is sinking. Editors Note Federal regulations governing the trade and ownership of elephant ivory and other animal-derived objects are under constant review and subject to change at any time. Is it even worth it? A weekly collection of previews, videos, articles, interviews, and more! Now that allowance is being tightened. But there are a few exceptions. Once there is some moral action on an issue, it will affect the market, Lang said. If your state does allow the sale of ivory, you must now make sure you abide by the federal law and be ready to produce documents required to justify the sale within your state if asked. The new ban restricts interstate sales of ivory items to two narrow categories: antique ivory thats proven to be more than a century old and items that contain only a little ivory, such as a violin bow with an ivory tip. WCS, the W logo, WE STAND FOR WILDLIFE, I STAND FOR WILDLIFE, and STAND FOR WILDLIFE are service marks of Wildlife Conservation Society. We consider all contemporary ivory pieces abhorrent, Hoffman said, emphasizing that no museum will have anything to do with recent, possibly poached, ivory. While radio carbon dating technology can be utilized in very limited situations to determine the age of ivory, it is expensive ($500/test), invasive (can damage or destroy the item) and does not provide conclusive evidence regarding when the ivory was harvested. I think most of them will quit, Weisblut said, adding that many people have already done so. Leave us your comments below. Q. for more detail. Most dealers dont want to take ivory. A. While the largest ivory consumer nations are in Asia, the U.S. has one of the bigger markets globally. Thousands of members discuss, ask, and answer questions relating to this topic and many other topics that will help you grow your estate sale business and avoid situations that others may have experienced. The Big Apple has a rich and storied maritime history. Estate Sale Company Fees and Commission, Whats the Cost? Now, after centuries of degradation, both people and wildlife are finding their way back to city waters.
If you are allowed to sell ivory in your state, or meet the exemption requirements for interstate sales, you do not need a permit from the U.S. For sake of information, DNA testing is possibly the best method to tell the difference between African and Asian ivory. Once illegal ivory is within the U.S.'s borders, it becomes almost impossible to distinguish legal, pre-convention ivory from illegal ivory. No state is losing land like Louisiana. It remains illegal under federal law to export raw African-elephant ivory for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial. "I know there's a lot of envious people hearing that story" Unauthorized use is prohibited. But unless you regularly deal with ivory as part of your job, this assumption is often little more than a vague suspicion. @RoadshowPBS, We're soaking up the story behind this @LeslieKeno appraisal! Strong historical documentation including a CITES certificate is required. With only 10% of illegal ivory confiscated at our borders, a significant portion of illegal ivory makes its way into the marketplace where it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish from older, legal ivory. A. The seller must produce documents as proof to meet this exemption: *U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) designated 13 ports for the entry of antiques made of ESA-listed species on September 22, 1982 (19 C.F.R. There is an assumption in the general public that ivory is, at least in some circumstances, illegal, since the elephant species from which ivory is taken are endangered or threatened. This miniature portrait is oil on ivory, dating from the late 18th century. The new U.S. ivory ban will legally close most ivory trade in the U.S. to protect elephants. Auction houses have started distancing themselves from ivory too, according to Weisblut. If youve come across an ivory collectors estate, wed love to hear from you and find out how you handled the situation. So, the first thing to determine is whether your state allows it, and if they do, are all the documents required by federal regulations available? Ancestry, and The new ban isnt so surprising or restrictive that dealers are trying to dump their goods immediately, said Bob Weisblut, head of the International Ivory Society, a club of ivory collectors, artists, dealers, and others. Social Media for Marketing Estate Sales and Advertising Companies, The Cost and Road to Becoming an Estate Sale Organizer, private Facebook group of professional estate liquidators and auctioneers, Contact the U.S. ivory compatible colors pekic Generally, estate sales include the entire contents of a home. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ngwildlife@natgeo.com.
An unexpected error has occurred. Finding decorative estate ivory carvings is very common during the staging process, but can it be sold? Q. Therefore, residents are free to keep their ivory items, or pass them down to family members. This change in public sentiment in China has influenced the Chinese government to respond to the poaching crisis. Ivory owners are quite educated on the current laws relating to their collections, unfortunately many estate sale clients arent the actual collectors themselves but may be family members when youre hired to host an estate sale. Items in a household move or that are part of an inheritance; No more than two (2) sport-hunted trophies per year, assuming the trophies are accompanied by the appropriate permit, to have been issued by the country hosting the hunt. Sure, many still try to sell ivory items without using the words in the title, but soon enough the listing is flagged and taken down quickly. But, by just looking at it, the African ivory doesnt usually have the pinkish tint thats found in Asian ivory. For more information on the U.S.'s ivory ban, visit If not, its a moot point to try and figure it out. This also applies if you have a vintage musical instrument that has ivory pieces or components. Some states completely prohibit the sale of ivory, so depending on where you live, you may not even be able to sell it at all. If youre new to the estate sale industry, you must take the time, and understand all the laws and regulations relating to the resale of items. A. Or they can simply keep it in their own private collections, which Lang said is a popular option for antique dealers wanting to remove ivory from their stores. Hefty fines including prison are in the forecast for anyone caught selling endangered species including ivory items. So in 2014 the U.S. made it illegal to import ivory antiques for commercial purposes. A. To what extent is ivory consumption in the U.S. contributing to the African elephant poaching crisis? Please be respectful of copyright. Each home is different, the contents inside each home will also vary, knowing and following the rules can save you from liability, hefty fines, including jail time. We will continue to monitor these regulations in consultation with the USFWS and update this page as new or changing information becomes available. From figurines to carvings, mini netsuke collections, pianos and violins that have ivory components, and much more. Legal domestic ivory markets are an enforcement challenge and often serve to provide cover for the laundering of ivory from illegally killed elephants in Africa. During the course of estate sales, there are many other items youll run into such as alcohol, firearms, safety regulation issues for car seats, cribs, etc that you must also consider and educate yourself, and your staff about. Almost all older ivory items of higher quality are made out of African ivory. Will federal or state ivory bans take away my right to possess or pass down my ivory to family members? In fact, a recent online investigation of ivory sales in Hawaii documented several examples of this practice to avoid detection by authorities. (The information on this page is current as of May 8, 2017.). Tom Lang, of Alexander Westerhoff Antiques, in Essex, Massachusetts, stopped buying and selling ivory 15 years ago and now supports an ivory trade ban in his state because he believes the antique industry drives demand and gives cover to illegal ivory. If youve never come across an estate sale that had ivory, youre in luck, but you may sooner or later. Follow her on Tumblr. Much of this ivory came from the 100,000 African elephants that were poached from 2010 to 2012. Under federal law, if an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990, or if it was imported with a so-called CITES pre-convention certificate, it may be sold within a state, provided such a sale also complies with relevant state and local laws. All rights reserved. Theres no marketand it isnt fair to people who paid a lot of money.. With the new regulations, the company intends to sell ivory again. Fish and Wildlife by State, antique dealers were charged with the illegal sales of ivory priced at 4.5 million dollars, estate sale industry is not currently regulated, online forum for estate sale professionals, The Top 20 Things That Estate Sale Shoppers Are Looking For in 2021, Estate Sales During a Pandemic: Steps You Can Take to Mitigate The Impact Of Coronavirus On Your Estate Sale Business, What Is a Picker Sale? Julie Hall also said ASEL sometimes receives complaints on estate liquidators, one posted a leopard coat or ivory piece for sale. The most recent addition to this article pertains to regulations governing Walrus ivory, at the bottom of the page. The law is enforced by undercover investigators that frequent auction houses and places they believe have access or trade ivory. New U.S. ivory regulations make it illegal to sell antique ivory, such as this pendant at an antique mall in Washington State, across state lines unless it can be proven that it's more than a hundred years old. Venice's plan to save the city may also destroy its fragile lagoons, How one photographer and his farm survived Portugals wildfires, Life, both big and small, returns to NYCs 500 miles of coastline, How the 'wickedest city on Earth' was sunk by an earthquake. This certification must be available and produced if asked. Contact the U.S. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, an auction house with branches across the U.S., stopped accepting ivory in March 2014 because management considered the regulations too unclear. As you can see, these requirements are virtually impossible to comply with if youre an estate sale liquidator. There are thousands of estate sales held across the U.S. every week, and just as many estate auctions. Items that generally qualify under this exemption are musical instruments that have ivory components. Live Auctioneers is one of the few online platforms where you still see ivory items listed, however, auctioneers using the platform to sell the items sign an agreement that they must not offer for sale through the platform any product of an animal species that is protected as endangered, or threatened, under applicable, national, or local laws. He has been a contributor to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Online since 2007. In summary, the new rule prohibits the sale of ivory unless its for scientific research, part of an antique thats over 100 years old, or used in a musical instrument that was manufactured prior to 1975. Really, its our responsibility to create this dialogue rather than sweep it under the rug.. After reading this article, will you be adding a statement to your estate sale contract that will make it clear, you do not sell prohibited items by federal, state, and local government? Why is it necessary to include mammoth ivory in state ivory bans? This is through no fault of their own: The legal regime that regulates the trade in ivory is notoriously complex, arising from the intersection of federal statutory law, executive-branch orders, and the guidelines imposed by international conservation treaties. 1997 2022 WGBH Educational Foundation. However, if you are offering ivory for sale that does qualify, be ready to produce all the documents required. They are putting themselves at risk if they dont, but the online auction platform protects itself with its seller agreement. No current state ivory ban restricts the possession or inheritance of ivory, rhino horn, or any of the wildlife products covered in the law. These documents must also be passed on to the buyer of the item.
If the item is outside of the U.S. proof that the ivory was removed from the wild before February 26, of 1976 is required! The safe answer is probably no! Other states have legislation pending. The criteria set out by the ESA include: In order to be eligible for non-commercial export, an item containing African-elephant ivory must be either an antique, as defined by the ESA: Or, it must have been created prior to 1978 (the year in which the ESA was enacted) and not have been bought or sold since that time. Personal possession is OK, because a family heirloom can pass down within the family. For a complete understanding of the de minimis requirement, which is more technical than is presented here, please consult the website of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or contact an agent by phone. Antique dealers are left with few options for selling or disposing of ivory items they invested in. Additional funding is provided by public television viewers. What is the Islamic New Yearand how is it celebrated? ANTIQUES ROADSHOW endeavors to monitor and report on such changes in a timely way; however, you should consult the website of the U.S. Begin by joining our online forum for estate sale professionals and auctioneers founded by EstateSales.org. A system of moveable walls, called Moses, protects Venice from colossal high tides that are worsening with climate change.
In fact, even expert ivory appraisers are often hazy on the law. Therefore, it is all the more important to have law enforcement engaged at both the state and federal levels. Good news is, we investigated and it was a faux coat and plastic figurine. moneymatters101 bengali marfil jwellery losabalorios This article is merely focused on the sale of ivory. The new regulations further restrict trade in ivory derived from African elephants.
Will the federal or state ivory bans take away my right to sell my instrument with small amounts of ivory? Said Julie Hall with ASEL, American Society of Estate Liquidators. This tagged ivory cannot be transferred to another owner without written USFWS permission.". State ivory bans largely focus on intrastate transactions (sales within a state) and complement the U.S. ban with more stringent laws in place locally. Its not illegal to already own ivory. However, the U.S. ban will not impact the primary portion of state bans which applies to sales within a state. Q. The de minimis exemption applies to items not made of ivory as a whole, but rather manufactured items such as furniture or musical instruments that have components of ivory. Fish and Wildlife service to get clarification and a quick summary of whats what on the matter. Although the U.S. exempts antiques as defined in the Endangered Species Act, states can provide stricter laws within their borders to prevent illegal ivory disguised as antique from entering the marketplace. The federal wildlife laws and regulations DO NOT prohibit donating or gifting an ivory item. Our blog for shoppers covers antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, and all things estate sales. To reduce poaching of African elephantssome 33,000 of them are lost every yearthe United States put into effect an almost complete ban on selling and trading ivory across state lines beginning July 6. And some dealers have been under the false impression that ivory was illegal, even to possess. Demetre Chiparus created this bronze, marble and ivory statue in the early 20th-century. Once you realize what it is that youre selling, and that youre contributing to the slaughter of these animals, even when its antiqueswere creating a market, you cant deny that., Watch: Ivory's Historical Connection to the Slave Trade. It is not prohibited to own. A tusk grows over the course of an elephant's life, often up to 60 years, with the tip being the oldest part and the dentin closest to the elephant's jaw the youngest. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is a trademark of the BBC and is produced for PBS by GBH under license from BBC, Worldwide. Q. Ebay completely prohibits the sale of ivory on their platform. A full guidance sheet entitled "Walrus Ivory Dos & Don'ts," is available for download from the USFWS website. This is a question thats often asked by new liquidators to the industry, and an important question to answer because there is a lot of confusion when it comes to this topic. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC. International commercial trading in ivory has been illegal since 1989except for antique, pre-ban ivory. Whether you choose to deal with each estate sale on a case by case basis or create an overall company policy thats a default statement in your estate sale contract, it is your choice. You may want to include your policy statement on every contract you issue. How to see Stonehenge: Everything you need to know. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Its best to educate yourself on the regulations in your respective local area, but many companies would rather just stay away all together, let the client know they cannot sell ivory, and leave it to the client to decide what to do. It cannot be raw ivory, this means its a component of a large manufactured or handmade item such as a violin or piano. That gift or donation must be made clear and cannot be exchanged for a service or product in return, otherwise it will be considered trade and must abide by the federal, state, and local regulations. Please refresh the page. The difficulty with enforcing laws around carved or worked ivory is that is impossible to visually determine the age of the ivory in the item. Ben Phelan is a freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky. The item has not been repaired or modified with ivory, or any other part of a federally protected species since 1973; It has not been repaired or modified with ivory or any other part of a federally protected species (as defined by the Endangered Species Act) since 1973. (Note that the regulations governing interstate commerce also apply to Americans living abroad seeking to sell ivory within a foreign country.). Since the 2016 law went into effect, tighter regulations at the state and federal level have encouraged many dealers, including estate sale companies to get out of the ivory trade business altogether. Remember, even if the federal law doesnt prohibit the gifting or donating of ivory items, local and state laws might! Many items that were imported from India also originated in Africa but entered the U.S. as Asian Ivory.
According to guidance published by the USFWS: "Raw walrus ivory found on the beach by non-Natives [that is, non-Alaska Natives, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972] can only be possessed if tagged at a USFWS Office within 30 days of finding. As of the time of this writing, New York, New Jersey, Washington State, California and Hawaii for example PROHIBIT the sale of ivory completely. However, veteran estate sale professionals understand the risks involved and tend to stay away from items prohibited for sale by federal, state, and/or local government. Lang agrees that ivory is getting more difficult to sell, pointing out that a large and exclusive international antique-selling website called First Dibs has put strong restrictions on ivory, so sellers around the world cant trade it as easily. Currently only a small percentage of illegal ivory and other wildlife products is confiscated at our borders. Antique dealers are in a tough spot. With over 200 people in my club, I havent heard anyone say theyre trying to liquidate.. The compliance officer we spoke with did not want us to publish his/her name, but provided us with a lot of information that will answer many of the questions everyone has as an estate liquidator or auctioneer. The sale of ivory items across state lines is always prohibited, unless the items sold qualify as an ESA antiques exemption, or meet the de minimis criteria. Kristin Hugo is a freelance journalist with a focus on biology and multimedia. A. The amount of ivory in the item being sold is less than 200 grams and was made before July 6, 2016. Like anything else, violating the law can have consequences. Fish and Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Act Overview, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Fish and Wildlife Service's Questions and Answers. The final rule went into effect on July 6, 2016. New York, California, Washington and Hawaii all provide exemptions for musical instruments with less than 20 percent ivory by volume as long as they have historical documentation showing the item was manufactured no later than 1975. A. Past Event: Nashville, TN May 10, 2022, Past Event: Santa Fe, NM June 14, 2022, Past Event: Woodside, CA June 22, 2022, Past Event: Shelburne, VT July 12, 2022, "What can I do with my African elephant ivory? Photograph by DAVID RYDER, The New York Times, Redux. It remains legal to sell antique ivory within states, other than in California, New York, New Jersey, or Hawaii, which have passed state bans on the ivory trade. Q. Almost all of the emails and letters we receive on the subject address in one way or another the legal questions that inevitably arise around ivory. One survey of ivory dealers and collectors placed it at nearly $12 billion, but the U.S. The U.S. ivory ban does not limit the right to possess or pass down ivory to family members. One antique dealer in San Franciscos Chinatown mentioned that with demand dropping during the past several years, he gave up on ivory. Fish and Wildlife Service, which regulates the U.S. ivory trade, says its less than one percent of thatabout $100 million. Tigers have nearly tripled in Nepal, but at what cost? Horrific summer travels? de minimis) amount of legally imported ivory, which could allow the sale of some musical instruments. @RoadshowPBS. 12.26).
Get to know one of the 18th century's most influential figures. If you require more precise or complete information, we recommend you contact the U.S. The newly released U.S. ivory ban applies to commercial import, export, and interstate trade (sales across state lines) of ivory products. All rights reserved. When in doubt or you have found yourself in a gray area, dont sell the item. One thing most experienced estate sale professionals understand is that a well-informed client will have a big impact on the final outcome and satisfaction of that client. It essentially prohibits all commercial import, export, and interstate trade of African elephant ivory with some narrow exceptions. Finally, while some trained ivory experts can distinguish mammoth from elephant ivory by conducting invasive DNA tests, and occasionally by analyzing the ivory's different "Schreger patterns" it is unrealistic for state enforcement agents to deploy such techniques widely and Schreger patterns are not always readily detectable once ivory has been carved.
Of all the antique objects we appraise on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, few elicit as big a viewer response as items that contain ivory. There is a great deal of support for ending the ivory trade within the Asian countries. endangered haul statuettes What follows is a summary. States can take legislative or regulatory action to ban all intrastate ivory sales to eliminate this enforcement challenge and close down the illegal trade. These items were made years ago, passed down in the family and arent a threat or a danger to todays elephants. But theyre also destroying the marshes that keep the lagoon alive. Often times, when the estate sale is held, paperwork is scattered, and little to no information can be found to prove the above, making it difficult to protect yourself as an estate sale company if ever questioned by authorities about having ivory at estate sales for potential buyers.
The majority agreed that it is very common to see ivory when they are staging an estate sale. A. Read more stories about wildlife crime and exploitation on Wildlife Watch.
ivory further subject discussion Dating tests cost hundreds of dollars. The value of antique ivory held in the U.S. is unclear. CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Prohibiting the sale of mammoth ivory at the state level is an important part of cracking down on illegal elephant ivory sales because the ability to mix mammoth and elephant ivory together along the trade chain and at its point of sale is one of ways that elephant ivory is smuggled into the United States and sold in stores as mammoth or bone. A near total ban on the trade of African and Asian elephant ivory went into effect in the United States on July 6, 2016. That's approximately 96 elephants killed per day or 1 every 15 minutes. Also provided to the buyer after the sale. As a professional, liability in the estate sale industry is something to be concerned with, some liabilities can and will be handled by your insurance company but liabilities that involve government regulations are strictly your responsibility and must be avoided all together. The grain marks in Asian ivory also have sharper peaks, and they zig-zag a bit more. The Ivory doesnt account for more than 50% of the value of the item. How we went from hunter-gatherers to monument builders, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC. INTERPOL estimates that seizures represent only 10 percent of the actual amount of trafficked goods. The New York Times recently covered a story in 2016 where antique dealers were charged with the illegal sales of ivory priced at 4.5 million dollars. Almost all companies know theres an ivory trade ban, yet a quick online search will lead to various ivory carvings listed for sale, this tends to cause a bit of confusion leaving many wondering whether to sell, destroy, or donate the ivory items they find. The estate sale industry is not currently regulated by a governing body. If its allowed in your state, maybe, but youll also have to meet federal requirements. When the ban was first announced, it left antique dealers, and auction houses in a tough spot! Registration for newly acquired ivory has never been a requirement in the U.S., so most antiques typically dont have proof-of-age paperwork. He also notes that in the antiques world prices fluctuate as items go in and out of style, and it wont really hurt dealers if any one type of item becomes unpopular and difficult to sell. Update July 1, 2016 Since the 1970s, the U.S. government has periodically updated its regulatory regime governing the sale, trade, import and export of elephant ivory. Connect with other professionals on the biggest Facebook Group for estate sale companies. ivory trade tikalon better times We also recommend you consult the USFWS resource "What can I do with my African elephant ivory?" Indonesia's giant capital city is sinking. Editors Note Federal regulations governing the trade and ownership of elephant ivory and other animal-derived objects are under constant review and subject to change at any time. Is it even worth it? A weekly collection of previews, videos, articles, interviews, and more! Now that allowance is being tightened. But there are a few exceptions. Once there is some moral action on an issue, it will affect the market, Lang said. If your state does allow the sale of ivory, you must now make sure you abide by the federal law and be ready to produce documents required to justify the sale within your state if asked. The new ban restricts interstate sales of ivory items to two narrow categories: antique ivory thats proven to be more than a century old and items that contain only a little ivory, such as a violin bow with an ivory tip. WCS, the W logo, WE STAND FOR WILDLIFE, I STAND FOR WILDLIFE, and STAND FOR WILDLIFE are service marks of Wildlife Conservation Society. We consider all contemporary ivory pieces abhorrent, Hoffman said, emphasizing that no museum will have anything to do with recent, possibly poached, ivory. While radio carbon dating technology can be utilized in very limited situations to determine the age of ivory, it is expensive ($500/test), invasive (can damage or destroy the item) and does not provide conclusive evidence regarding when the ivory was harvested. I think most of them will quit, Weisblut said, adding that many people have already done so. Leave us your comments below. Q. for more detail. Most dealers dont want to take ivory. A. While the largest ivory consumer nations are in Asia, the U.S. has one of the bigger markets globally. Thousands of members discuss, ask, and answer questions relating to this topic and many other topics that will help you grow your estate sale business and avoid situations that others may have experienced. The Big Apple has a rich and storied maritime history. Estate Sale Company Fees and Commission, Whats the Cost? Now, after centuries of degradation, both people and wildlife are finding their way back to city waters.
If you are allowed to sell ivory in your state, or meet the exemption requirements for interstate sales, you do not need a permit from the U.S. For sake of information, DNA testing is possibly the best method to tell the difference between African and Asian ivory. Once illegal ivory is within the U.S.'s borders, it becomes almost impossible to distinguish legal, pre-convention ivory from illegal ivory. No state is losing land like Louisiana. It remains illegal under federal law to export raw African-elephant ivory for any purpose, commercial or non-commercial. "I know there's a lot of envious people hearing that story" Unauthorized use is prohibited. But unless you regularly deal with ivory as part of your job, this assumption is often little more than a vague suspicion. @RoadshowPBS, We're soaking up the story behind this @LeslieKeno appraisal! Strong historical documentation including a CITES certificate is required. With only 10% of illegal ivory confiscated at our borders, a significant portion of illegal ivory makes its way into the marketplace where it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish from older, legal ivory. A. The seller must produce documents as proof to meet this exemption: *U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) designated 13 ports for the entry of antiques made of ESA-listed species on September 22, 1982 (19 C.F.R. There is an assumption in the general public that ivory is, at least in some circumstances, illegal, since the elephant species from which ivory is taken are endangered or threatened. This miniature portrait is oil on ivory, dating from the late 18th century. The new U.S. ivory ban will legally close most ivory trade in the U.S. to protect elephants. Auction houses have started distancing themselves from ivory too, according to Weisblut. If youve come across an ivory collectors estate, wed love to hear from you and find out how you handled the situation. So, the first thing to determine is whether your state allows it, and if they do, are all the documents required by federal regulations available? Ancestry, and The new ban isnt so surprising or restrictive that dealers are trying to dump their goods immediately, said Bob Weisblut, head of the International Ivory Society, a club of ivory collectors, artists, dealers, and others. Social Media for Marketing Estate Sales and Advertising Companies, The Cost and Road to Becoming an Estate Sale Organizer, private Facebook group of professional estate liquidators and auctioneers, Contact the U.S. ivory compatible colors pekic Generally, estate sales include the entire contents of a home. Send tips, feedback, and story ideas to ngwildlife@natgeo.com. An unexpected error has occurred. Finding decorative estate ivory carvings is very common during the staging process, but can it be sold? Q. Therefore, residents are free to keep their ivory items, or pass them down to family members. This change in public sentiment in China has influenced the Chinese government to respond to the poaching crisis. Ivory owners are quite educated on the current laws relating to their collections, unfortunately many estate sale clients arent the actual collectors themselves but may be family members when youre hired to host an estate sale. Items in a household move or that are part of an inheritance; No more than two (2) sport-hunted trophies per year, assuming the trophies are accompanied by the appropriate permit, to have been issued by the country hosting the hunt. Sure, many still try to sell ivory items without using the words in the title, but soon enough the listing is flagged and taken down quickly. But, by just looking at it, the African ivory doesnt usually have the pinkish tint thats found in Asian ivory. For more information on the U.S.'s ivory ban, visit If not, its a moot point to try and figure it out. This also applies if you have a vintage musical instrument that has ivory pieces or components. Some states completely prohibit the sale of ivory, so depending on where you live, you may not even be able to sell it at all. If youre new to the estate sale industry, you must take the time, and understand all the laws and regulations relating to the resale of items. A. Or they can simply keep it in their own private collections, which Lang said is a popular option for antique dealers wanting to remove ivory from their stores. Hefty fines including prison are in the forecast for anyone caught selling endangered species including ivory items. So in 2014 the U.S. made it illegal to import ivory antiques for commercial purposes. A. To what extent is ivory consumption in the U.S. contributing to the African elephant poaching crisis? Please be respectful of copyright. Each home is different, the contents inside each home will also vary, knowing and following the rules can save you from liability, hefty fines, including jail time. We will continue to monitor these regulations in consultation with the USFWS and update this page as new or changing information becomes available. From figurines to carvings, mini netsuke collections, pianos and violins that have ivory components, and much more. Legal domestic ivory markets are an enforcement challenge and often serve to provide cover for the laundering of ivory from illegally killed elephants in Africa. During the course of estate sales, there are many other items youll run into such as alcohol, firearms, safety regulation issues for car seats, cribs, etc that you must also consider and educate yourself, and your staff about. Almost all older ivory items of higher quality are made out of African ivory. Will federal or state ivory bans take away my right to possess or pass down my ivory to family members? In fact, a recent online investigation of ivory sales in Hawaii documented several examples of this practice to avoid detection by authorities. (The information on this page is current as of May 8, 2017.). Tom Lang, of Alexander Westerhoff Antiques, in Essex, Massachusetts, stopped buying and selling ivory 15 years ago and now supports an ivory trade ban in his state because he believes the antique industry drives demand and gives cover to illegal ivory. If youve never come across an estate sale that had ivory, youre in luck, but you may sooner or later. Follow her on Tumblr. Much of this ivory came from the 100,000 African elephants that were poached from 2010 to 2012. Under federal law, if an item was lawfully imported prior to 1990, or if it was imported with a so-called CITES pre-convention certificate, it may be sold within a state, provided such a sale also complies with relevant state and local laws. All rights reserved. Theres no marketand it isnt fair to people who paid a lot of money.. With the new regulations, the company intends to sell ivory again. Fish and Wildlife by State, antique dealers were charged with the illegal sales of ivory priced at 4.5 million dollars, estate sale industry is not currently regulated, online forum for estate sale professionals, The Top 20 Things That Estate Sale Shoppers Are Looking For in 2021, Estate Sales During a Pandemic: Steps You Can Take to Mitigate The Impact Of Coronavirus On Your Estate Sale Business, What Is a Picker Sale? Julie Hall also said ASEL sometimes receives complaints on estate liquidators, one posted a leopard coat or ivory piece for sale. The most recent addition to this article pertains to regulations governing Walrus ivory, at the bottom of the page. The law is enforced by undercover investigators that frequent auction houses and places they believe have access or trade ivory. New U.S. ivory regulations make it illegal to sell antique ivory, such as this pendant at an antique mall in Washington State, across state lines unless it can be proven that it's more than a hundred years old. Venice's plan to save the city may also destroy its fragile lagoons, How one photographer and his farm survived Portugals wildfires, Life, both big and small, returns to NYCs 500 miles of coastline, How the 'wickedest city on Earth' was sunk by an earthquake. This certification must be available and produced if asked. Contact the U.S. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, an auction house with branches across the U.S., stopped accepting ivory in March 2014 because management considered the regulations too unclear. As you can see, these requirements are virtually impossible to comply with if youre an estate sale liquidator. There are thousands of estate sales held across the U.S. every week, and just as many estate auctions. Items that generally qualify under this exemption are musical instruments that have ivory components. Live Auctioneers is one of the few online platforms where you still see ivory items listed, however, auctioneers using the platform to sell the items sign an agreement that they must not offer for sale through the platform any product of an animal species that is protected as endangered, or threatened, under applicable, national, or local laws. He has been a contributor to ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Online since 2007. In summary, the new rule prohibits the sale of ivory unless its for scientific research, part of an antique thats over 100 years old, or used in a musical instrument that was manufactured prior to 1975. Really, its our responsibility to create this dialogue rather than sweep it under the rug.. After reading this article, will you be adding a statement to your estate sale contract that will make it clear, you do not sell prohibited items by federal, state, and local government? Why is it necessary to include mammoth ivory in state ivory bans? This is through no fault of their own: The legal regime that regulates the trade in ivory is notoriously complex, arising from the intersection of federal statutory law, executive-branch orders, and the guidelines imposed by international conservation treaties. 1997 2022 WGBH Educational Foundation. However, if you are offering ivory for sale that does qualify, be ready to produce all the documents required. They are putting themselves at risk if they dont, but the online auction platform protects itself with its seller agreement. No current state ivory ban restricts the possession or inheritance of ivory, rhino horn, or any of the wildlife products covered in the law. These documents must also be passed on to the buyer of the item.
If the item is outside of the U.S. proof that the ivory was removed from the wild before February 26, of 1976 is required! The safe answer is probably no! Other states have legislation pending. The criteria set out by the ESA include: In order to be eligible for non-commercial export, an item containing African-elephant ivory must be either an antique, as defined by the ESA: Or, it must have been created prior to 1978 (the year in which the ESA was enacted) and not have been bought or sold since that time. Personal possession is OK, because a family heirloom can pass down within the family. For a complete understanding of the de minimis requirement, which is more technical than is presented here, please consult the website of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, or contact an agent by phone. Antique dealers are left with few options for selling or disposing of ivory items they invested in. Additional funding is provided by public television viewers. What is the Islamic New Yearand how is it celebrated? ANTIQUES ROADSHOW endeavors to monitor and report on such changes in a timely way; however, you should consult the website of the U.S. Begin by joining our online forum for estate sale professionals and auctioneers founded by EstateSales.org. A system of moveable walls, called Moses, protects Venice from colossal high tides that are worsening with climate change.
In fact, even expert ivory appraisers are often hazy on the law. Therefore, it is all the more important to have law enforcement engaged at both the state and federal levels. Good news is, we investigated and it was a faux coat and plastic figurine. moneymatters101 bengali marfil jwellery losabalorios This article is merely focused on the sale of ivory. The new regulations further restrict trade in ivory derived from African elephants. Will the federal or state ivory bans take away my right to sell my instrument with small amounts of ivory? Said Julie Hall with ASEL, American Society of Estate Liquidators. This tagged ivory cannot be transferred to another owner without written USFWS permission.". State ivory bans largely focus on intrastate transactions (sales within a state) and complement the U.S. ban with more stringent laws in place locally. Its not illegal to already own ivory. However, the U.S. ban will not impact the primary portion of state bans which applies to sales within a state. Q. The de minimis exemption applies to items not made of ivory as a whole, but rather manufactured items such as furniture or musical instruments that have components of ivory. Fish and Wildlife service to get clarification and a quick summary of whats what on the matter. Although the U.S. exempts antiques as defined in the Endangered Species Act, states can provide stricter laws within their borders to prevent illegal ivory disguised as antique from entering the marketplace. The federal wildlife laws and regulations DO NOT prohibit donating or gifting an ivory item. Our blog for shoppers covers antiques, collectibles, vintage finds, and all things estate sales. To reduce poaching of African elephantssome 33,000 of them are lost every yearthe United States put into effect an almost complete ban on selling and trading ivory across state lines beginning July 6. And some dealers have been under the false impression that ivory was illegal, even to possess. Demetre Chiparus created this bronze, marble and ivory statue in the early 20th-century. Once you realize what it is that youre selling, and that youre contributing to the slaughter of these animals, even when its antiqueswere creating a market, you cant deny that., Watch: Ivory's Historical Connection to the Slave Trade. It is not prohibited to own. A tusk grows over the course of an elephant's life, often up to 60 years, with the tip being the oldest part and the dentin closest to the elephant's jaw the youngest. ANTIQUES ROADSHOW is a trademark of the BBC and is produced for PBS by GBH under license from BBC, Worldwide. Q. Ebay completely prohibits the sale of ivory on their platform. A full guidance sheet entitled "Walrus Ivory Dos & Don'ts," is available for download from the USFWS website. This is a question thats often asked by new liquidators to the industry, and an important question to answer because there is a lot of confusion when it comes to this topic. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2022 National Geographic Partners, LLC. International commercial trading in ivory has been illegal since 1989except for antique, pre-ban ivory. Whether you choose to deal with each estate sale on a case by case basis or create an overall company policy thats a default statement in your estate sale contract, it is your choice. You may want to include your policy statement on every contract you issue. How to see Stonehenge: Everything you need to know. PBS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Its best to educate yourself on the regulations in your respective local area, but many companies would rather just stay away all together, let the client know they cannot sell ivory, and leave it to the client to decide what to do. It cannot be raw ivory, this means its a component of a large manufactured or handmade item such as a violin or piano. That gift or donation must be made clear and cannot be exchanged for a service or product in return, otherwise it will be considered trade and must abide by the federal, state, and local regulations. Please refresh the page. The difficulty with enforcing laws around carved or worked ivory is that is impossible to visually determine the age of the ivory in the item. Ben Phelan is a freelance writer in Louisville, Kentucky. The item has not been repaired or modified with ivory, or any other part of a federally protected species since 1973; It has not been repaired or modified with ivory or any other part of a federally protected species (as defined by the Endangered Species Act) since 1973. (Note that the regulations governing interstate commerce also apply to Americans living abroad seeking to sell ivory within a foreign country.). Since the 2016 law went into effect, tighter regulations at the state and federal level have encouraged many dealers, including estate sale companies to get out of the ivory trade business altogether. Remember, even if the federal law doesnt prohibit the gifting or donating of ivory items, local and state laws might! Many items that were imported from India also originated in Africa but entered the U.S. as Asian Ivory. According to guidance published by the USFWS: "Raw walrus ivory found on the beach by non-Natives [that is, non-Alaska Natives, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972] can only be possessed if tagged at a USFWS Office within 30 days of finding. As of the time of this writing, New York, New Jersey, Washington State, California and Hawaii for example PROHIBIT the sale of ivory completely. However, veteran estate sale professionals understand the risks involved and tend to stay away from items prohibited for sale by federal, state, and/or local government. Lang agrees that ivory is getting more difficult to sell, pointing out that a large and exclusive international antique-selling website called First Dibs has put strong restrictions on ivory, so sellers around the world cant trade it as easily. Currently only a small percentage of illegal ivory and other wildlife products is confiscated at our borders. Antique dealers are in a tough spot. With over 200 people in my club, I havent heard anyone say theyre trying to liquidate.. The compliance officer we spoke with did not want us to publish his/her name, but provided us with a lot of information that will answer many of the questions everyone has as an estate liquidator or auctioneer. The sale of ivory items across state lines is always prohibited, unless the items sold qualify as an ESA antiques exemption, or meet the de minimis criteria. Kristin Hugo is a freelance journalist with a focus on biology and multimedia. A. The amount of ivory in the item being sold is less than 200 grams and was made before July 6, 2016. Like anything else, violating the law can have consequences. Fish and Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Act Overview, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Fish and Wildlife Service's Questions and Answers. The final rule went into effect on July 6, 2016. New York, California, Washington and Hawaii all provide exemptions for musical instruments with less than 20 percent ivory by volume as long as they have historical documentation showing the item was manufactured no later than 1975. A. Past Event: Nashville, TN May 10, 2022, Past Event: Santa Fe, NM June 14, 2022, Past Event: Woodside, CA June 22, 2022, Past Event: Shelburne, VT July 12, 2022, "What can I do with my African elephant ivory? Photograph by DAVID RYDER, The New York Times, Redux. It remains legal to sell antique ivory within states, other than in California, New York, New Jersey, or Hawaii, which have passed state bans on the ivory trade. Q. Almost all of the emails and letters we receive on the subject address in one way or another the legal questions that inevitably arise around ivory. One survey of ivory dealers and collectors placed it at nearly $12 billion, but the U.S. The U.S. ivory ban does not limit the right to possess or pass down ivory to family members. One antique dealer in San Franciscos Chinatown mentioned that with demand dropping during the past several years, he gave up on ivory. Fish and Wildlife Service, which regulates the U.S. ivory trade, says its less than one percent of thatabout $100 million. Tigers have nearly tripled in Nepal, but at what cost? Horrific summer travels? de minimis) amount of legally imported ivory, which could allow the sale of some musical instruments. @RoadshowPBS. 12.26).
Get to know one of the 18th century's most influential figures. If you require more precise or complete information, we recommend you contact the U.S. The newly released U.S. ivory ban applies to commercial import, export, and interstate trade (sales across state lines) of ivory products. All rights reserved. When in doubt or you have found yourself in a gray area, dont sell the item. One thing most experienced estate sale professionals understand is that a well-informed client will have a big impact on the final outcome and satisfaction of that client. It essentially prohibits all commercial import, export, and interstate trade of African elephant ivory with some narrow exceptions. Finally, while some trained ivory experts can distinguish mammoth from elephant ivory by conducting invasive DNA tests, and occasionally by analyzing the ivory's different "Schreger patterns" it is unrealistic for state enforcement agents to deploy such techniques widely and Schreger patterns are not always readily detectable once ivory has been carved.
Of all the antique objects we appraise on ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, few elicit as big a viewer response as items that contain ivory. There is a great deal of support for ending the ivory trade within the Asian countries. endangered haul statuettes What follows is a summary. States can take legislative or regulatory action to ban all intrastate ivory sales to eliminate this enforcement challenge and close down the illegal trade. These items were made years ago, passed down in the family and arent a threat or a danger to todays elephants. But theyre also destroying the marshes that keep the lagoon alive. Often times, when the estate sale is held, paperwork is scattered, and little to no information can be found to prove the above, making it difficult to protect yourself as an estate sale company if ever questioned by authorities about having ivory at estate sales for potential buyers.