second stakeholder meeting on EU ivory trade

In late January, IFAW, other NGOs and relevant stakeholders met with the European Commission for the second consultation meeting on ivory trade in the European Union (EU).

The European Commission acknowledged that they are looking at further restrictions and their proposal will be discussed more in detail mid-February with input from Member states.

Several antique dealers affirmed they were open to work collaboratively with the Commission and NGOs to find a deal as they are concerned about elephant poaching. However they reiterated their concern about protecting their jobs and cultural heritage and the need to leave the trade open for pre-1947 items.

Overall, we are concerned that the EU response to restricting ivory trade is inadequate and does not go far enough to address key concerns presented to the Commission as part of the 2017 public consultation, and urge them to consider our recommendations.