Is fossil ivory classified as ivory?

[Rev. Pete]

Is fossil ivory classified as ivory for the purposes of the international ban? Are there any special paperwork requirements to import items containing fossil ivory (such as there would be to import ivory)? If so do fossil ivory handled knives purchased in the USA and Canada typically come with the required documentation or can it be had by asking? I have recently been looking at fossil ivory handled knives with a gleam in my eye .

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Fossil ivory is not part of the ban. The ban is only on post 1989 ivory. Any ivory that is certified as having been around previous to that date can still be used, owned and sold. In the US I think it is illegal to own or possess any new ivory. This means elephant, walrus and hippopotamus (and narwhal I think).

As far as fossil ivory is concerned you do not need it to be certified as being pre 1989.

 

[tarsier]

Here is a long, but interesting, article about the collecting process:

http://www.nwf.org/internationalwildlife/mammoth.html

 

[akivory]

Pete,
The laws depends on what type of ivory is being used on the knife.There is no restriction
on mammoth. White walrus and elephant can be used if it can be proven it was taken
before the years they were banned.The ivory used on knives is technically mineralized
and not fossilized.It is always best to check with US Fish and Wildlife first.When I import mammoth ivory I ask for CITIES paper work even though it is not required.
Chuck