Ban on Domestic Trade in Ivory

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry will implement a ban on the domestic trade in ivory; (b) if so, what is the time frame for implementing the ban; and (c) if not, what factors does the Ministry take into account in not banning the domestic trade.

The Minister of State for National Development (Dr Koh Poh Koon) (for the Minister for National Development): Mdm Speaker, the Government is looking into implementing a domestic ban on the sale of ivory. This is part of Singapore's broader commitment to tackle the illegal ivory trade and to support elephant conservation. The implementation details, including an engagement process with relevant stakeholders, are currently being worked out.

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang (Nee Soon): Thank you, Mdm Speaker. Can I check if there is a time frame for implementing this ban? Secondly, if we do implement the ban, can I check with the Minister of State what will they do with the ivory that is currently on sale in our shops? Would we be requiring the shop owners to surrender them or will we allow them to keep it? My fear of allowing them to keep it is that it may enter into the black market.

Dr Koh Poh Koon: Madam, we will announce the time frame when we have sufficient time to engage with the local stakeholders, and we will notify the public accordingly. In terms of local ivory trade, the commercial import and export of ivory has been prohibited since 1990. Non-commercial import and export of ivory, for example, for museum display and for research, is still permitted with AVA's approval and documentation. Within Singapore, buying and selling of ivory is permitted until such a ban is in place.