Ivory Act 2018
Dealing in ivory is prohibited.
“Dealing” in ivory means—
buying, selling or hiring it;
offering or arranging to buy, sell or hire it;
keeping it for sale or hire;
exporting it from the United Kingdom for sale or hire;
importing it into the United Kingdom for sale or hire.
For the purposes of this section—
buying includes acquiring for valuable consideration;
selling includes disposing of for valuable consideration;
offering includes advertising and inviting to treat.
In subsection (2)—
a reference in paragraph (b) to buying or hiring ivory does not include buying ivory, or hiring it as the borrower, outside the United Kingdom;
a reference in paragraph (b) or (c) to selling or hiring ivory includes selling ivory, or hiring it as the lender, outside the United Kingdom.
In this section “ivory” includes— (See further section 37.)
an item made of ivory;
an item that has ivory in it.
Sections 2 and 6 to 9 set out exceptions to the prohibition.
An item that is made of ivory, or has ivory in it, is exempt from the prohibition if— This is subject to section 4(7).
the Secretary of State has issued a certificate under this section (an “exemption certificate”), and
the certificate has not been revoked under section 4(3).
The Secretary of State may issue an exemption certificate for an item only if satisfied that—
the item is pre-1918, and
the item is of outstandingly high artistic, cultural or historical value.
The following matters are to be taken into account in considering whether the condition in paragraph (b) of subsection (2) is satisfied in the case of a particular item—
the rarity of the item;
the extent to which the item is an important example of its type;
any other matters specified in regulations made by the appropriate national authority.
An exemption certificate for an item may be issued only on the application of the owner of the item.
The appropriate national authority may by regulations prescribe institutions that, in the authority's opinion, possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to provide the Secretary of State with advice on applications for exemption certificates. In this Act “prescribed institution” means an institution prescribed under this subsection.
An institution may be prescribed under subsection (5) only with the consent of the persons in charge of the institution.
A person applying for an exemption certificate for an item must—
give the name and address of the owner of the item,
provide a description of the item and of any distinguishing features that it has,
provide a photograph of the item showing any such features,
make a declaration that, in the applicant's opinion, the item satisfies the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 2(2),
provide an explanation as to why the applicant is of that opinion,
provide information about any dealing in the item that is expected to take place,
provide any other information specified in regulations made by the appropriate national authority, and
pay to the Secretary of State any fee prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State must refer an application for an exemption certificate to a prescribed institution if satisfied that— Otherwise the Secretary of State must refuse the application and inform the applicant why it has been refused.
the applicant has complied with subsection (1), and
the item is not one that clearly fails to satisfy the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 2(2).
Where an application is referred to a prescribed institution under subsection (2), an individual nominated by the institution (“the assessor”) must—
inspect and assess the item,
notify the Secretary of State whether or not, in the assessor's opinion, the item satisfies the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 2(2), and
notify the Secretary of State of the assessor's reasons for forming that opinion.
An institution may nominate an individual under subsection (3) only with the individual's consent.
The Secretary of State must reimburse the reasonable costs of the prescribed institution or the assessor in dealing with an application referred under subsection (2).
Having considered the assessor's opinion, the Secretary of State—
must grant the application for an exemption certificate if the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the item satisfies the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 2(2);
otherwise, must refuse the application and inform the applicant why it has been refused.
If the application is granted, the Secretary of State must provide the applicant with an exemption certificate.
An exemption certificate must—
contain a unique number (or combination of letters and figures);
contain enough information to identify (so far as possible) the item to which it relates.
Where an exemption certificate has been issued for an item and— the owner must notify the Secretary of State accordingly and must provide the Secretary of State with the necessary information to make good the inaccuracy or incompleteness.
the owner of the item becomes aware that any relevant information relating to the item is inaccurate or incomplete, or
any such information becomes inaccurate or incomplete,
The Secretary of State may revoke an exemption certificate if it appears to the Secretary of State that—
the item concerned does not satisfy the conditions in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 2(2), or
the owner of the item has failed to comply with subsection (2) above.
The Secretary of State may issue a revised exemption certificate if it appears to the Secretary of State that any relevant information relating to the item concerned is, or has become, inaccurate or incomplete.
The Secretary of State may provide a person with a new exemption certificate (a “replacement certificate”) if—
an exemption certificate has been lost,
a person acquires an item in respect of which an exemption certificate has been issued but is unable to obtain that certificate from the previous owner, or
it seems to the Secretary of State to be appropriate for any other reason to provide a replacement certificate.
Section 3 does not apply to an application for a replacement certificate.
Where a person (P) deals in an item in respect of which an exemption certificate was issued to a different person, the exemption under section 2 applies only if—
P has taken possession of the certificate or has been provided with a replacement certificate in respect of the item, and
P has provided the Secretary of State with any specified information and has paid to the Secretary of State any fee prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
In this section—
a designated NCA officer authorised by the Director General of the National Crime Agency (whether generally or specifically) to exercise the powers of a police or customs officer under this Act;
“information” includes any declaration or photograph;
“stop notice” has the meaning given by paragraph 5(1);
This Schedule applies to—
applications for search warrants made in England and Wales or Northern Ireland;
search warrants issued in England and Wales or Northern Ireland.
A search warrant authorises entry on one occasion only, unless it specifies that it authorises multiple entries.
A search warrant must—
specify the name of the person who applied for it;
specify the date on which it is issued;
state that the warrant is issued under section 17 of this Act;
specify each set of premises to be searched, or (in the case of an all-premises warrant) the person who is in occupation or control of premises to be searched, together with any premises to be searched that are under the person's occupation or control and can be specified;
specify the offence to which the relevant evidence relates.
Two copies must be made of a search warrant that specifies only one set of premises and does not authorise multiple entries. As many copies as are reasonably required may be made of any other kind of search warrant. The copies must be clearly certified as copies.
“the appropriate national authority” has the meaning given by section 39(2) and (3);
a constable,
The Secretary of State may impose a monetary penalty on a person if satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the person has committed an offence under section 12. In this Schedule “monetary penalty” means a requirement to pay to the Secretary of State a penalty of an amount determined by the Secretary of State. The amount of a monetary penalty may not be more than £250,000.
Where a notice under paragraph 2(1) is served on a person— A person on whom a monetary penalty is imposed may not at any time be convicted of an offence under section 12 in respect of the act or omission giving rise to the penalty.
The Secretary of State may not serve on a person a notice under paragraph 2(1) (notice of proposed monetary penalty) in relation to any act or omission in relation to which a stop notice has been served on that person. The Secretary of State may not serve a stop notice on a person in relation to any act or omission in relation to which—
If, before the day on which this Schedule comes into effect, any consultation was undertaken which, had it been undertaken after that day, would to any extent have satisfied the requirements of paragraph 15 or 21, those requirements may to that extent be taken to have been satisfied.
In this Schedule—
“prescribed institution” has the meaning given by section 2(5);
in Northern Ireland, a lay magistrate;
Where the Secretary of State proposes to impose a monetary penalty on a person, the Secretary of State must serve on the person a notice of what is proposed. A notice under sub-paragraph (1) must offer the person the opportunity to discharge the person's liability for the monetary penalty by payment of a sum specified in the notice (which must be less than or equal to the amount of the penalty). The person may make written representations and objections to the Secretary of State in relation to the proposed imposition of the monetary penalty. After the end of the period for making such representations and objections (see paragraph 3(2)) the Secretary of State must decide whether to impose the monetary penalty. The Secretary of State may not impose a monetary penalty on a person— A person on whom a monetary penalty is imposed may appeal against the decision to impose the penalty on the ground— or on any other grounds that are prescribed. An appeal under sub-paragraph (6) is to the First-tier Tribunal.
A person served with a stop notice who does not comply with it commits an offence. A person who commits an offence under this paragraph is liable—
A person served with an enforcement cost recovery notice may appeal against the decision to serve it on the ground— or on any other grounds that are prescribed. An appeal under sub-paragraph (1) is to the First-tier Tribunal.
A person applying for a search warrant must— A person who is applying for a specific-premises warrant must specify each set of premises that it is desired to enter and search. A person who is applying for an all-premises warrant must— A person who is applying for a search warrant authorising entry and search on more than one occasion must also state—
In the case of an all-premises warrant, premises that are not specified in the warrant may be entered and searched only if a senior officer has authorised them to be entered. An authorisation under sub-paragraph (1) must be in writing.
Where the occupier of premises to be entered and searched under a search warrant is present at the time when a police or customs officer seeks to execute the warrant, the following requirements must be satisfied— Where the occupier of premises to be entered and searched under a search warrant is not present at the time when a police or customs officer seeks to execute the warrant—
A search warrant must be returned to the appropriate person (see sub-paragraph (2))— The appropriate person is— The appropriate person must retain a search warrant returned under sub-paragraph (1) until the end of the period of 12 months starting with the date of its return. If during that period the occupier of premises to which the search warrant relates asks to inspect it, the occupier must be allowed to do so.
“specified information” means information specified in regulations made by the appropriate national authority.
Where an application for an exemption certificate is refused or an exemption certificate is revoked, the owner of the item concerned—
may make a fresh application;
may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against the refusal or revocation.
A fee prescribed under section 3(1)(h) must be the same for a fresh application under subsection (1)(a) as for a first application.
An appeal under subsection (1)(b) may be on the ground— or on any other grounds that are prescribed by regulations made by the appropriate national authority.
that the decision was based on an error of fact,
that the decision was wrong in law, or
that the decision was unreasonable,
On an appeal under subsection (1)(b), the First-tier Tribunal may—
confirm the Secretary of State's decision to refuse or revoke the exemption certificate,
require the Secretary of State to issue an exemption certificate, or to cancel the decision to revoke an existing exemption certificate, or
remit the decision to refuse or revoke the exemption certificate to the Secretary of State for reconsideration.
The appropriate national authority may by regulations make further provision about appeals under subsection (1)(b).
The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring an appellant to pay a fee of a prescribed amount.
An item that has ivory in it is exempt from the prohibition if—
the item is a pre-1918 portrait miniature with a surface area of no more than 320 cm², and
it is registered under section 10.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(a) the “surface area” of a portrait miniature does not include any part consisting of or covered by a frame.
An item that has ivory in it is exempt from the prohibition if—
the item is pre-1947,
all the ivory in the item is integral to it,
the volume of ivory in the item is less than 10% of the total volume of the material of which the item is made, and
the item is registered under section 10.
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) ivory is “integral” to an item if it could not be removed from the item without difficulty or without damaging the item.
An item that has ivory in it is exempt from the prohibition if—
the item is a pre-1975 musical instrument,
the volume of ivory in the instrument is less than 20% of the total volume of the material of which the instrument is made, and
the instrument is registered under section 10.
In this section “musical instrument”—
does not include anything that, although capable of being played as a musical instrument, was not made primarily for that purpose;
includes a bow, plectrum or other thing made for playing a musical instrument.
Dealing in an ivory item to which this section applies is exempt from the prohibition if or to the extent that the dealing—
is a sale to, or a purchase or hire by, a qualifying museum, or
is done for the purpose of such a sale, purchase or hire.
This section applies to an ivory item that—
was owned by a qualifying museum immediately before the relevant time, or
is registered under section 10.
A museum is a “qualifying museum” if at the relevant time—
in the case of a museum in England, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, it is shown as being accredited in a list published by or on behalf of Arts Council England;
in the case of a museum in Wales, it is shown as being accredited in a list published by or on behalf of the Welsh Government;
in the case of a museum in Scotland, it is shown as being accredited in a list published by or on behalf of the Scottish Ministers;
in the case of a museum in Northern Ireland, it is shown as being accredited in a list published by or on behalf of the Northern Ireland Museums Council;
in the case of a museum anywhere else, it is a member of the International Council of Museums.
Regulations made by the appropriate national authority may make any amendment to paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d) or (e) of subsection (3) that is consequential on a change of name or transfer of functions involving a body specified in that paragraph.
In this section—
“accredited civilian officer” has the meaning given by section 22(2);
“vessel” is to be read in accordance with subsection (4).
The Secretary of State must register an item under this section if the owner of the item—
applies for it to be registered, giving the owner's name and address,
provides a description of the item and of any distinguishing features that it has,
provides a photograph of the item showing any such features,
in the case of an exemption under section 6, 7, or 8—
makes a declaration that the item satisfies the relevant exemption conditions, and
provides an explanation of how the item satisfies those conditions,
provides information about any dealing in the item that is expected to take place,
provides any other information specified in regulations made by the appropriate national authority, and
pays to the Secretary of State any fee prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
“The relevant exemption conditions” are—
in the case of section 6, the condition in subsection (1)(a) of that section;
in the case of section 7, the conditions in subsection (1)(a) to (c) of that section;
in the case of section 8, the conditions in subsection (1)(a) and (b) of that section.
Regulations under subsection (1)(g) may provide for exemptions.
Where an item is registered in response to an application under this section, the Secretary of State must provide the applicant with written confirmation of the registration. The confirmation must—
identify the owner of the item;
contain a unique number (or combination of letters and figures);
contain enough information to identify (so far as possible) the item to which it relates.
The Secretary of State must keep a record of information (including photographs) provided to the Secretary of State under this section or section 11.
The registration of an item under section 10 ceases to be valid if the ownership of the item changes (but the new owner may make a fresh application for registration).
Where an item is registered under section 10 and— the owner must notify the Secretary of State accordingly and must provide the Secretary of State with the necessary information to make good the inaccuracy or incompleteness.
the owner of the item becomes aware that any relevant information relating to the item is inaccurate or incomplete, or
any such information becomes inaccurate or incomplete,
The Secretary of State may cancel a registration under section 10 if it appears to the Secretary of State that—
the item concerned does not satisfy the relevant exemption conditions,
the registration has become invalid because of subsection (1), or
the owner of the item has failed to comply with subsection (2).
The Secretary of State may amend a registration under section 10, or anything recorded under section 10(5), if it appears to the Secretary of State that any relevant information relating to the registered item is, or has become, inaccurate or incomplete.
In this section—
“senior officer” means—
A notice under paragraph 2(1) must include information as to— Such a notice must also specify— Neither period may be more than 28 days starting with the day on which the notice is received. A notice under paragraph 2(4) must include information as to— The period referred to in paragraph (c) must be at least 28 days.
a designated NCA officer of grade 3 or above;
a constable;
“completion certificate” has the meaning given by paragraph 7(2);
It is an offence—
to breach the prohibition,
to cause the prohibition to be breached, or
to facilitate a breach of the prohibition.
A person commits an offence under this section in relation to an item only if the person knows or suspects, or ought to know or suspect, that the item is ivory, is made of ivory or (as the case may be) has ivory in it.
It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that the person took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—
on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);
on summary conviction in Scotland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);
on summary conviction in Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both);
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or a fine (or both).
In relation to an offence committed before 2 May 2022, the reference in subsection (4)(a) to the general limit in a magistrates’ court is to be read as a reference to six months.
Schedule 1 (civil sanctions) has effect.
This section applies where a police or customs officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that a person has committed, or is committing, a relevant offence.
The officer may—
search the person for relevant evidence;
stop and detain the person for the purposes of the search.
The powers conferred by this section may be exercised in any place to which the officer lawfully has access (whether or not it is a place to which the public has access).
In this Act—
“purchase” includes an acquisition for valuable consideration;
A stop notice must include information as to—
the grounds for serving the notice;
rights of appeal;
the consequences of not complying with the notice.
In this Schedule—
“enforcement undertaking” has the meaning given by paragraph 10(1)(b);
“monetary penalty” has the meaning given by paragraph 1(2);
a designated customs official of at least the grade of senior officer;
a designated NCA officer of grade 3 or above;
“prescribed” means prescribed in supplementary regulations;
Entry and search under a search warrant must be within the period of one month starting with the date of its issue.
Entry and search under a search warrant must be at a reasonable hour unless it appears to the officer executing it that the purpose of a search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced on an entry at a reasonable hour.
A police or customs officer who enters premises under a search warrant must take reasonable steps to ensure that when the officer leaves the premises they are as secure as they were before the officer entered.
“regulated insurance contract” means a contract of insurance effected or carried out by a regulated insurer;
The Secretary of State may serve an enforcement cost recovery notice on a person on whom— For the purposes of this Schedule an “enforcement cost recovery notice” is a notice requiring the person to pay to the Secretary of State the costs incurred by the Secretary of State in relation to the monetary penalty or stop notice up to the time when it was imposed or served. In sub-paragraph (2) “costs” includes (in particular)—
Supplementary regulations may make any of the following provision in relation to the power of the Secretary of State to require a person to pay a monetary penalty (under paragraph 1) or costs (under paragraph 11)— Provision made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) must secure that the interest or other financial penalties for late payment do not in total exceed the amount of the penalty or costs to which the interest or other financial penalties relate. Provision made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(c) may include—
The Secretary of State must prepare and publish guidance as to— The guidance must include guidance about the Secretary of State's use of the power to impose a monetary penalty, with information as to— The guidance must include guidance about the Secretary of State's use of the power to serve a stop notice, with information as to— The guidance must include guidance about the Secretary of State's use of the power to serve an enforcement cost recovery notice, with information as to— The guidance must include guidance about the Secretary of State's use of the power to accept an enforcement undertaking. Where appropriate, the Secretary of State must revise guidance published under this paragraph and publish the revised guidance. The Secretary of State must consult— before publishing guidance or revised guidance under this paragraph. The Secretary of State must have regard to the guidance or revised guidance published under this paragraph in exercising his or her functions under this Schedule.
Information held by or on behalf of— may be disclosed to the Secretary of State for the purpose of the exercise by the Secretary of State of any powers conferred on him or her under or by virtue of this Schedule. It does not matter for the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) whether the information was obtained before or after this Schedule comes into force. A disclosure under this paragraph is not to be taken to breach any restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed). Nothing in this paragraph authorises the making of a disclosure in contravention of— This paragraph does not affect a power to disclose that exists apart from this paragraph. In this paragraph “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).
“enforcement undertaking” has the meaning given by paragraph 10(1)(b);
“police or customs officer” means—
“relevant offence” means—
Section 13
an item that has ivory in it,
Where sub-paragraph (2) or (3) applies, the Secretary of State may serve on a person a notice (a “stop notice”)— This sub-paragraph applies where— This sub-paragraph applies where— Steps referred to in sub-paragraph (1)(b) must be steps to secure that the activity is carried on or (as the case may be) will be carried on in a way that does not involve the person acting as mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b) or (3)(b).
A person served with a stop notice may appeal against the decision to serve it on the ground— or on any other grounds that are prescribed. Where paragraph 7 applies and a decision is made not to issue a completion certificate, the person served with the stop notice may appeal against the decision on the ground that— or on any other grounds that are prescribed. An appeal under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is to the First-tier Tribunal.
“relevant offence” means—
This paragraph applies where a person is served with a stop notice prohibiting the person from carrying on an activity specified in the notice until the person has taken the steps specified in the notice. Where the Secretary of State is satisfied that the person has taken the specified steps, the Secretary of State must issue a certificate to that effect (a “completion certificate”). The person served with the stop notice may at any time apply for a completion certificate. Where a completion certificate is issued, the stop notice to which it relates ceases to have effect.
An enforcement cost recovery notice must specify the amount to be paid and must include information as to— The period referred to in paragraph (c) must be at least 28 days. A person required by an enforcement cost recovery notice to pay an amount to the Secretary of State may require the Secretary of State to provide a detailed breakdown of that amount.
Before making supplementary regulations the appropriate national authority must consult any persons that the authority considers appropriate. If, as a result of any consultation required by sub-paragraph (1), it appears to the authority that it is appropriate substantially to change the whole or any part of the proposals, the authority must undertake whatever further consultation the authority considers appropriate with respect to the changes.
Supplementary regulations may make any of the following provision in relation to an appeal in respect of the imposition of a requirement, or the service of a notice, under this Schedule— Provision made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)(b) may in particular include provision conferring on the tribunal to which the appeal is made—
This paragraph applies where— Unless the person has failed to comply with the undertaking or any part of it—
Section 18
This section applies where—
a police or customs officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is relevant evidence in a vehicle, and
the vehicle is not a dwelling.
The officer may at any time—
enter the vehicle and search it for relevant evidence;
stop and detain the vehicle for the purposes of entering and searching it.
Where— the officer may require the vehicle to be taken to another place to enable the vehicle to be searched.
a police or customs officer has stopped a vehicle under this section, and
the officer considers that it would be impracticable to search the vehicle in the place where it has stopped,
A police or customs officer may require— to provide any help and facilities, with respect to matters under the person's control, that the officer considers would facilitate the exercise of a power conferred by this section.
any person travelling in a vehicle, or
the registered keeper of a vehicle,
The powers conferred by this section may be exercised in any place to which the officer lawfully has access (whether or not it is a place to which the public has access).
In this section “vehicle” does not include any vessel or aircraft (as to which, see section 16).
For provisions conferring additional powers on police or customs officers to enter and search vehicles, see section 17.
This section applies where—
a police or customs officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is relevant evidence in or on any vessel or aircraft, and
the vessel or aircraft is not a dwelling.
The officer may at any time—
board the vessel or aircraft;
search it for relevant evidence.
For the purposes of exercising the power conferred by subsection (2), the officer may require a vessel or aircraft—
to stop, or
to do anything else that would facilitate the boarding of that or any other vessel or aircraft.
A police or customs officer who has boarded a vessel or aircraft may, for the purposes of disembarking from the vessel or aircraft, require that or any other vessel or aircraft—
to stop, or
to do anything else that would enable the officer to disembark from the vessel or aircraft.
A police or customs officer may require any person on board a vessel or aircraft to provide any help and facilities, with respect to matters under that person's control, that the officer considers would facilitate the exercise of a power conferred by this section.
The powers conferred by this section may be exercised in any place to which the officer lawfully has access (whether or not it is a place to which the public has access).
For provision conferring additional powers on police or customs officers to enter and search vessels and aircraft, see section 17.
Where a justice is satisfied that the requirements in subsection (5) are met in relation to any premises, the justice may issue a warrant (a “search warrant”) authorising a police or customs officer—
to enter the premises;
to search them for relevant evidence.
A search warrant may be issued only on the application of—
a police or customs officer, in England and Wales or Northern Ireland;
a police or customs officer or a procurator fiscal, in Scotland.
A police or customs officer may apply for a search warrant only if the officer is a senior officer or is authorised by a senior officer to make the application. In this subsection “senior officer” means—
a constable of at least the rank of inspector;
a designated customs official of at least the grade of senior officer;
a designated NCA officer of grade 3 or above.
A search warrant may be either—
a warrant that relates only to premises specified in the warrant (a “specific-premises warrant”), or
in the case of a warrant issued in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, a warrant that relates to any premises occupied or controlled by a person specified in the warrant (an “all-premises warrant”).
The requirements of this subsection are met in relation to premises if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that—
there are items on the premises that are relevant evidence, and
in a case where the premises are specified in the application, any of the conditions in subsection (6) is met.
The conditions referred to in subsection (5)(b) are—
that it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises;
that it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the items;
that entry to the premises is unlikely to be granted unless a warrant is produced;
that the purpose of entry may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless a police or customs officer arriving at the premises can secure immediate entry to them.
In this Act “premises” includes any place and, in particular, includes—
a vehicle, vessel or aircraft;
a tent or moveable structure.
An application for a search warrant must be supported—
in England and Wales, by an information in writing;
in Scotland, by evidence on oath;
in Northern Ireland, by a complaint on oath.
A person applying for a search warrant must answer on oath any question that the justice hearing the application asks the person. In the case of an application made by a procurator fiscal, that requirement may be met by a police or customs officer.
A search warrant may be executed by any police or customs officer.
A search warrant may authorise persons to accompany any police or customs officer who is executing it if the justice issuing the warrant is satisfied that their presence is likely to be helpful to the search.
A person authorised under subsection (4) to accompany a police or customs officer may exercise any power conferred by sections 17 to 25 that the officer may exercise as a result of the warrant. But the person may exercise such a power only in the company of, and under the supervision of, a police or customs officer.
Unless giving notice would be likely to frustrate or seriously prejudice the purpose of a search—
reasonable efforts must be made to give notice of an application for a search warrant to persons who might be affected by it;
a search warrant does not authorise entry to premises unless 48 hours' notice of the intended entry is given to the occupier or some other appropriate person who is responsible for the premises.
Schedule 2 contains further provision about—
applications for search warrants made in England and Wales or Northern Ireland;
search warrants issued in England and Wales or Northern Ireland.
An entry on or search of premises under a search warrant issued in England and Wales or Northern Ireland is unlawful if it does not comply with the provisions of Part 3 of that Schedule (execution of search warrants).
This section applies where a police or customs officer is exercising a power of search conferred by section 15, 16 or 17 in relation to any premises.
The officer may carry out any examination or measurement of anything on the premises that the officer thinks is or may be relevant evidence.
The officer may break open any container or other locked thing if satisfied that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of—
determining whether a relevant offence has been committed, or
investigating a relevant offence.
The officer may require any person on the premises to provide any help or facilities, with respect to matters under the person's control, that the officer considers would facilitate the exercise of—
a power of search conferred on the officer by section 15, 16 or 17, or
a power conferred on the officer by this section.
Nothing in this section confers any power to search a person.
This section applies where a police or customs officer is exercising a power of search conferred by section 15, 16 or 17 in relation to any premises.
The officer may require any person on the premises to produce any document or record in the person's possession or control that the officer thinks is or is likely to be relevant to—
the question whether a relevant offence has been committed, or
the investigation of a relevant offence.
A reference in this section to the production of a document includes a reference to the production of—
a hard copy of information recorded otherwise than in hard copy form, or
information in a form from which a hard copy can be readily obtained.
For the purposes of this section—
information is recorded in “hard copy form” if it is recorded in a paper copy or similar form capable of being read (and references to “hard copy” have a corresponding meaning);
information can be read only if—
it can be read with the naked eye, or
to the extent that it consists of images (for example photographs, pictures, maps, plans or drawings), it can be seen with the naked eye.
A police or customs officer who is exercising the power of search conferred by section 14 may seize and detain anything found in the course of the search.
A police or customs officer who is exercising a power of search conferred by section 15, 16 or 17 in relation to any premises may—
seize and detain or remove any item found on the premises;
take copies of or extracts from any document or record found on the premises.
An officer to whom a document or record has been produced in response to a requirement imposed under section 20 may— In this subsection “document” includes anything falling within paragraph (a) or (b) of section 20(3).
seize and detain or remove that document or record;
take copies of or extracts from that document or record.
The powers under this section may be exercised only—
for the purposes of determining whether a relevant offence has been committed, or
in relation to an item that the officer concerned reasonably believes to be relevant evidence.
Nothing in this section confers power on an officer to seize an item that is an excluded item (see section 24).
An accredited civilian officer may on giving reasonable notice—
enter premises that the accredited civilian officer reasonably thinks may be used in connection with dealing in ivory (including any item that is made of ivory or has ivory in it) for the purpose of assessing compliance with the provisions of this Act, or
enter premises on which the officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is relevant evidence.
In this Act “accredited civilian officer” means an officer of the Secretary of State who is authorised by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this Act.
A notice under this section must—
be in writing,
be given to the occupier of the premises,
set out the purpose of the proposed entry, and
explain the effect of section 28 (offences of obstruction).
The requirement in subsection (3)(b) may be complied with by delivering or leaving the notice at the premises or sending it there by post.
This section—
does not authorise the entry into premises used wholly or mainly as a dwelling;
authorises entry only at a reasonable time.
This section applies where—
an accredited civilian officer enters premises under section 22, or
an accredited civilian officer who is lawfully on premises has reasonable grounds to suspect that there is relevant evidence on those premises.
The officer may carry out any examination or measurement of anything on the premises that the officer thinks is or may be relevant evidence.
The officer may require any person on the premises to produce any document or record in the person's possession or control that the officer thinks is or is likely to be relevant to—
the question whether a relevant offence has been committed, or
the investigation of a relevant offence.
The officer may—
seize and detain or remove any item found on the premises;
take copies of or extracts from any document or record found on the premises.
An officer to whom a document or record has been produced in response to a requirement under subsection (3) may—
seize and detain or remove the document or record;
take copies of or extracts from the document or record.
The powers under subsections (4) and (5) may be exercised only—
for the purposes of determining whether a relevant offence has been committed, or
in relation to an item that the officer concerned reasonably believes to be relevant evidence.
The officer may require any person on the premises to provide any help or facilities, with respect to matters under the persons's control, that the officer considers would facilitate the exercise of a power conferred on the officer by this section.
This section—
does not confer power to search a person;
does not confer power to seize an item that is an excluded item (see section 24).
Subsections (3) and (4) of section 20 apply for the purposes of this section as they apply for the purposes of that one.
This section sets out what is meant by “excluded items” for the purposes of sections 21 and 23.
In England and Wales “excluded items” means—
items subject to legal privilege, within the meaning of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (see section 10 of that Act);
excluded material within the meaning of that Act (see section 11 of that Act);
special procedure material within the meaning of that Act (see section 14 of that Act).
In Scotland “excluded items” means items in respect of which a claim to confidentiality of communications could be maintained in legal proceedings.
In Northern Ireland “excluded items” means—
items subject to legal privilege within the meaning of the Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12)) (see Article 12 of that Order);
excluded material within the meaning of that Order (see Article 13 of that Order);
special procedure material within the meaning of that Order (see Article 16 of that Order).
Where— any power to seize and remove the items conferred on the officer by section 21 or 23 includes power to seize and remove the container.
any items that an officer wishes to seize and remove are in a container, and
the officer reasonably considers that it would facilitate the seizure and removal of the items if they remained in the container for that purpose,
If a container is seized under this section, reasonable efforts must be made to return it to—
the person from whom it was seized, or
(if different) a person to whom it belongs.
Subsection (2) does not apply—
if the container appears to be of negligible value,
if it is not practicable for the container to be returned, or
while the container is or may be needed for use as evidence at a trial for an offence.
If, in the opinion of the officer concerned, it is not for the time being practicable for the officer to seize and remove any item, the officer may require— to secure that the item is not removed or otherwise interfered with until the officer is able to seize and remove it.
the person from whom the item is to be seized, or
where the officer is exercising a power of search conferred by sections 15 to 17 in relation to any premises, any person on the premises,
This section applies where an officer, or a person accompanying an officer, seizes an item under section 21 or 23.
When the item is seized, the officer must make reasonable efforts to give a written notice to each of the following persons— A person falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) is referred to in this section as an “affected person”.
in the case of an item seized from a person, the person from whom the item was seized;
in the case of an item seized from premises, any person who appears to the officer to be the occupier of the premises or otherwise to be in charge of the premises;
if the officer thinks that the item may belong to any person not falling within paragraph (a) or (b), that other person.
If— the officer must leave a copy of the notice in a prominent place on the premises.
the item is seized from premises, and
at the time of the seizure it is not reasonably practicable to give a notice to an affected person,
The notice must—
state what has been seized and the reason for its seizure;
specify any offence that the officer suspects has been committed;
explain the effect of sections 29, 30 and 32.
The officer must make a record of what has been seized.
If a person who appears to the officer concerned to be an affected person asks for a copy of that record, the officer must provide a copy of it to that person within a reasonable time.
An officer who is exercising, or is about to exercise, a power conferred by section 14, 15, 16 or 22 must— if asked to do so by a person entitled to make the request.
give his or her name, and
if not a constable in uniform, produce documentary evidence that he or she is authorised to exercise the power,
The persons entitled to make the request are—
in the case of a power exercisable in relation to an individual, that individual;
in the case of a power exercisable in relation to a vehicle, vessel or aircraft, a person in charge of that vehicle, vessel or aircraft;
in the case of a power exercisable in relation to premises, an occupier of those premises who is on the premises.
An officer need not comply with subsection (1) if it is not reasonably practicable to do so.
An officer may use reasonable force, if necessary, for the purpose of exercising a power conferred on the officer by sections 14 to 25.
A person authorised under section 18(4) to accompany an officer may use reasonable force, if necessary, for the purpose of exercising a power conferred by sections 17 to 25.
The powers conferred on an officer by any of sections 14 to 25 do not affect any powers exercisable by the officer apart from those sections.
A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person intentionally obstructs an officer in the performance of any of the officer's functions under sections 14 to 25.
A person commits an offence if—
the person fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement reasonably made, or a direction reasonably given, by an officer in the exercise of a power conferred by sections 15 to 25, or
the person prevents another person from complying with any such requirement or direction.
A reference in this section to an officer includes a reference to a person authorised under section 18(4) to accompany a police or customs officer.
A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—
on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine (or both);
on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).
An item seized under section 21 or 23 may be retained for as long as is necessary in all the circumstances and in particular—
for use as evidence at a trial for a relevant offence, or
for forensic examination or for investigation in connection with a relevant offence.
An item may be not be retained for either of the purposes mentioned in subsection (1) if a photograph or a copy would be sufficient for that purpose.
A police officer or an accredited civilian officer may apply to the appropriate court for the forfeiture of an item retained under section 29.
The item is to be retained while proceedings on such an application are in progress.
Where an application under this section is made in relation to an item, the court may order the item to be forfeited if satisfied—
that a relevant offence has been committed in respect of it, or
that it was used in the commission of a relevant offence.
If the court does not order the item to be forfeited, it must order the item to be returned to a person entitled to it. (For provision enabling an application to be made for an order for the return of the item, see section 32(1)(b).)
Where an item is ordered to be forfeited under subsection (3), it may be disposed of in whatever way is thought appropriate by—
the officer who made the application,
another police officer or accredited civilian officer acting on behalf of the same person as that officer, or
the Secretary of State.
But the item may not be disposed of under subsection (5)—
before the end of the period within which an appeal under section 31 may be made against the order, or
if such an appeal is made, before it is determined or otherwise dealt with.
Where an order for the return of an item is made under subsection (4), the item may nevertheless be retained— But if it is decided before the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (a) that there is to be no appeal, the item must be returned as soon as possible after that decision is made.
until the end of the period within which an appeal under section 31 may be made against the order, or
if such an appeal is made, until the time when it is determined or otherwise dealt with.
In this Act—
The persons “entitled” to an item for the purposes of this section are—
the person from whom it was seized;
(if different) any person to whom it belongs.
Where an order has been made under section 30, each of the following persons may appeal against the order—
a party to the proceedings in which the order was made;
any other person entitled to the item to which the order relates.
Where— the officer must make reasonable efforts to give notice of the appeal to every person who the officer thinks is or may be entitled to the item.
a police officer or an accredited civilian officer brings an appeal under this section, and
no person entitled to the item in question was a party to the original proceedings,
An appeal under this section is to—
the Crown Court, in England and Wales;
the Sheriff Appeal Court, in Scotland;
a county court, in Northern Ireland.
An appeal under this section against an order must be made before the end of the period of 28 days starting with the date of the order.
Subject to subsections (6) and (7), the court hearing the appeal may make any order the court thinks appropriate.
If an appeal against an order for the return of an item is allowed—
the court must order the item to be forfeited, and
subsections (5) and (6) of section 30 apply with the necessary adaptations.
If an appeal against an order forfeiting an item is allowed—
the court must order the item to be returned to a person entitled to it, and
subsection (7) of section 30 applies with the necessary adaptations.
The persons “entitled” to an item for the purposes of this section are—
the person from whom it was seized;
(if different) any person to whom it belongs.
Where the retention of an item has been, but is no longer, authorised under this Act—
the item must (subject to section 30(3) and subsection (3) below) be returned to a person entitled to it;
a person who claims to be entitled to the item may apply to the appropriate court for an order that the item be returned to that person.
Where— the order has effect as if it required the item to be returned to any person entitled to it.
a court makes an order under this Act requiring an item to be returned to a particular person, and
reasonable efforts have been made, without success, to find that person, or it is for some other reason impracticable to return the item to that person,
Where— a police or customs officer, or the Secretary of State, may dispose of the item in whatever way the officer or the Secretary of State thinks appropriate.
an item is required by a provision of this Act, or an order made under this Act, to be returned to a person entitled to it, and
reasonable efforts have been made, without success, to find a person entitled to the item, or it is for some other reason impracticable to return the item to a person entitled to it,
The persons “entitled” to an item for the purposes of this section are—
the person from whom it was seized;
(if different) any person to whom it belongs.
This section applies where a person is convicted of—
a relevant offence,
an offence of attempting or conspiring to commit a relevant offence,
an offence under Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 (encouraging or assisting crime) in relation to a relevant offence,
an offence of inciting a person to commit a relevant offence, or
an offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of a relevant offence.
In this section “the court” means—
the court by or before which the person is convicted of the offence, except where paragraph (b) or (c) applies;
if the person is committed to the Crown Court to be dealt with for the offence, the Crown Court;
if the person is remitted to the High Court of Justiciary to be dealt with for the offence, the High Court of Justiciary.
The court may make an order for the forfeiture of— An order under this subsection is referred to below as a “forfeiture order”.
any ivory, or any item that is made of ivory or has ivory in it, in respect of which the offence was committed;
any other item that was used in the commission of the offence.
Before making a forfeiture order under subsection (3)(b) in relation to any item, the court must give an opportunity to make representations to any person (in addition to the convicted person) who claims to be the owner of the item or otherwise to have an interest in it.
A forfeiture order may not be made so as to come into force before the time when there is no further possibility (ignoring any power to appeal out of time) of the order being varied or set aside on appeal.
Where the court makes a forfeiture order, it may also make any other provision that it considers to be necessary for giving effect to the forfeiture.
That provision may, in particular, include provision relating to the retention, handling, destruction or other disposal of the item.
Provision made by virtue of this section may be varied at any time by the court that made it.
An item that is— is liable to forfeiture under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979.
imported or exported in breach of the prohibition, or
declared for, or brought to a place in the United Kingdom for, exportation in breach of the prohibition,
Section 5 of that Act (time of importation, exportation, etc) applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that Act.
A transaction under which a person acquires an item in pursuance of an existing contract of insurance is not a purchase or sale of the item for the purposes of this Act.
A transaction under which an item— is not a purchase or sale of the item for the purposes of this Act.
is acquired by a regulated insurer acting in the course of the insurer's business as such, or
is acquired, in pursuance of a regulated insurance contract, by a person who is or was an insured person in relation to the item under that contract,
In this section—
The appropriate national authority may by regulations (“supplementary regulations”)— The following provisions of this Part are not to be read as limiting the power conferred by sub-paragraph (1).
Supplementary regulations may make any of the following provision in relation to an enforcement undertaking—
provision as to the procedure for entering into an undertaking;
provision as to the terms of an undertaking;
provision as to publication of an undertaking by the Secretary of State;
provision as to variation of an undertaking;
provision as to circumstances in which a person may be regarded as having complied with an undertaking;
provision as to monitoring by the Secretary of State of compliance with an undertaking;
provision as to certification by the Secretary of State that an undertaking has been complied with;
provision for appeals against refusal to give such certification;
in a case where a person has given inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information in relation to an undertaking, provision for the person to be regarded as not having complied with it;
in a case where a person has complied partly but not fully with an undertaking, provision for that part-compliance to be taken into account in the imposition of any criminal or other sanction on the person.
Any amount that is payable under this Schedule by an unincorporated association is to be paid out of the funds of the association.
The Secretary of State must from time to time publish reports about the use made by the Secretary of State of his or her powers under this Schedule. Each report must, in particular, specify— This paragraph does not require the Secretary of State to include in a report any information that, in his or her opinion, it would be inappropriate to include on the ground that to do so—
If an offence under this Act by a body corporate or a Scottish partnership is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of an officer, the officer (as well as the body corporate or partnership) is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
In relation to a body corporate “officer” means—
a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or
a person purporting to act in any such capacity.
In relation to a Scottish partnership “officer” means—
a partner, or
a person purporting to act as a partner.
If the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and omissions of a member in connection with functions of management as if the member were an officer of the body.
In this Act (apart from this section) “ivory” means ivory from the tusk or tooth of any of the following—
an elephant (see subsection (8));
a common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius);
a killer whale (Orcinus orca);
a narwhal (Monodon monoceros);
a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus).
Regulations made by the appropriate national authority may amend subsection (1) so as to include ivory from an animal or species (whether extant or not) that is not for the time being covered by that subsection.
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Secretary of State under subsection (2) (whether alone or with other provision) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before each House of Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House.
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under subsection (2) (whether alone or with other provision) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before the National Assembly for Wales and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.
Regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under subsection (2) are subject to the affirmative procedure.
Regulations made by the Northern Ireland department under subsection (2) may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.
In any proceedings under this Act, any material that is proved to be ivory from an animal is presumed to be ivory from an animal specified in subsection (1) unless the material is proved to be from none of the animals specified in that subsection.
In this section “elephant” means an animal of a species that is—
within the family Elephantidae, and
extant on the day on which this Act is passed.
In this Act—
“information” includes any declaration or photograph;
Premises may be entered or searched for the second or a subsequent time under a search warrant authorising multiple entries only if a senior officer has authorised that entry to the premises. An authorisation under sub-paragraph (1) must be in writing.
A search under a search warrant may only be a search to the extent required for the purpose for which the warrant was issued.
“pre-1918”, “pre-1947” and “pre-1975” are to be read in accordance with subsections (2) and (3);
An item that is made of ivory, or has ivory in it, is “pre-1918”, “pre-1947” or “pre-1975” if the item was made before the relevant date (see subsection (3)) and either—
no ivory was added to the item on or after the relevant date, or
any ivory added to the item on or after the relevant date—
was taken from its animal source before 1 January 1975, and
was added to the item for the purpose of restoring it.
The “relevant date” is—
1 January 1918 for a pre-1918 item;
3 March 1947 for a pre-1947 item;
1 January 1975 for a pre-1975 item.
A reference to a vessel includes a reference to— but does not include a reference to anything that permanently rests on, or is permanently attached to, the sea bed.
a ship or boat or any other description of vessel used in navigation, and
a hovercraft, submersible craft or other floating craft,
Regulations under the preceding provisions of this Act—
may make consequential, supplementary, incidental, transitional or saving provision;
may make different provision for different purposes or for different parts of the United Kingdom.
In this Act “the appropriate national authority” means—
the Secretary of State, for regulations that do not apply in relation to Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland;
the Welsh Ministers, for regulations that apply only in relation to Wales;
the Scottish Ministers, for regulations that apply only in relation to Scotland;
the Northern Ireland department, for regulations that apply only in relation to Northern Ireland.
But in the case of regulations that apply in relation to England and any other part of the United Kingdom, or in relation to any other part of the United Kingdom and not England, the appropriate national authority is the Secretary of State if each necessary consent is given. The “necessary consent” is—
the consent of the Welsh Ministers if the regulations apply in relation to Wales;
the consent of the Scottish Ministers if the regulations apply in relation to Scotland;
the consent of the Northern Ireland department if the regulations apply in relation to Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State must consult the Welsh Ministers, the Scottish Ministers and the Northern Ireland department before making regulations prescribing a fee under section 3(1)(h), 4(7)(b), 5(6) or 10(1)(g).
A power to make regulations under this Act—
is exercisable by statutory instrument, in the case of regulations made by the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers;
is exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)), in the case of regulations made by the Northern Ireland department.
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Secretary of State under this Act, other than regulations under section 37(2) or 43, is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
A statutory instrument containing regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under this Act, other than regulations under section 37(2), is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the National Assembly for Wales.
Regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under this Act, other than regulations under section 37(2), are subject to the negative procedure.
Regulations made by the Northern Ireland department under this Act, other than regulations under section 37(2), are subject to negative resolution within the meaning of section 41(6) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.
Any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State under or by virtue of this Act is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament.
Subject to subsection (2), this Act binds the Crown.
Sections 12 and 28 and paragraph 9 of Schedule 1 (offences) apply to persons in the service of the Crown but, apart from that, do not bind the Crown.
This Act extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Subsection (1) does not apply to section 18(7) and (8) and Schedule 2, which extend to England and Wales and Northern Ireland.
This Act comes into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by regulations.
Regulations under this section—
may make transitional or saving provision;
may make different provision for different purposes or for different parts of the United Kingdom.
This Act may be cited as the Ivory Act 2018.