Ivory & CITES-Listed Items → South Africa

Ivory trade banned under CITES and national law

Details

South Africa prohibits the import and export of ivory products under CITES and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act. This includes raw ivory, carved ivory, and ivory jewellery. Pre-ban antique ivory requires CITES permits that are extremely difficult to obtain. Enforcement in South Africa carries fines from ZAR 5,000 to ZAR 5,000,000 and imprisonment up to 25 years in aggravated cases under Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act 140 of 1992; Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. Leaving South Africa with ivory & cites-listed items is a separate question — prohibited: Export of ivory from South Africa is prohibited without a DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment) CITES export permit. Penalties under NEMBA reach ZAR 10 million or 10 years imprisonment.

Legal reference

NEMBA, CITES Appendix I

Leaving with this item

Export of ivory from South Africa is prohibited without a DFFE (Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment) CITES export permit. Penalties under NEMBA reach ZAR 10 million or 10 years imprisonment.

Practical advice

Do not attempt to buy or transport any ivory products in South Africa. Penalties include imprisonment.

Customs authority

South African Revenue Service (SARS) — Customs and Excise · https://www.sars.gov.za