japan, china approved as once-off ivory importers
10 October 2008

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Standing Committee has confirmed Japan and China as suitable importing countries for South Africa’s stockpiled ivory. “The announcement follows the conclusion of a trip to both countries by officials from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and South African National Parks (SANParks). “This accreditation follows the CITES Standing Committee decision that both countries have sufficient measures in place to prevent re-exporting of the ivory as agreed by the CITES Conference of Parties at its 14th Meeting held in the Netherlands in July 2007,” said the department.

It was decided by South Africa, in July 2008, to send a delegation to both countries to assess enforcement capacity, the ivory registration processes and general CITES compliance, in order to satisfy the South African government. Officials embarked on the trip between 22 September and 2 October 2008. South Africa has been authorised by CITES to make a once off sale of 51 121 metric tons of raw ivory.

In China, ivory is used primarily in the ivory carving industry for cultural art works, while in Japan the ivory is used largely for the production of musical instruments and hanko’s used as seals (signatures) for official documents. Both countries produce figurines, jewellery, and ornaments from ivory. Both China and Japan have computerised registration systems in place which entails the registration of tusks and ivory products.

In China all products have identifying certificates which provide a description of the item and indicate that it cannot be exported. Similarly in Japan, an identifying CITES sticker accompanies all worked ivory pieces and a registration certificate is issued for whole tusks. Information is readily available to inform the public and tourists that ivory cannot be re-exported. Such information is available at airports and stores selling ivory products.  “The delegation was informed that China and Japan have strict enforcement and control at ports of entry and exit. This includes advanced ivory detection equipment. “Both countries have been included under category I of the CITES legislative process. This means that CITES has approved their national legislation on the implementation of CITES as fulfilling the requirements of CITES,” said the department.

In addition, the CITES Secretariat reported that, “China’s legislation contains some of the most severe criminal sanctions for CITES-related violations of all parties and the courts have not hesitated to impose very substantial upon those who attempt to smuggle ivory into mainland China”.  In addition both China and Japan met one of the conditions of sale which stipulates that potential buyers must be registered with a national association which has been registered with the CITES authorities in that country.

“South Africa has familiarised itself with the enforcement capacity and compliance with CITES regulations in both China and Japan. “We are satisfied on the integrity of the accredited buyers systems as it relates to the transaction and will now begin preparations for the sale,“ said Fundisile Mketeni, Deputy Director-General for Biodiversity and Conservation at the department.

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