eBay says it will ban the sale of all ivory products (including knives) starting in 2009.

The ban was announced on, eBay Ink, the company’s blog. The company’s reason is to help ensure the protection of African and Asian elephants.

The policy change will go into effect in December and will be enforced starting Jan 1, 2009.

eBay says there will be exceptions for items containing only a small amount of ivory, like piano keys and such. However, the items in question must have been made before 1900.