The policy change set forth in the 3/1/2018 US DOI FWS Memorandum appears to only affect the criteria used by the FWS in evaluating applications for permits to import certain trophy materials (particularly for African elephants sport-hunted in South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe). The existing across-the-board prohibition on the issuance of permits to import such trophies is apparently being lifted, and import permit applications will instead be reviewed (and approved or denied) on a case-by-case basis.

The FWS Memorandum does NOT appear to change any policies other than those regarding criteria for trophy import permits. The Memorandum does NOT mention, or appear to affect, the FWS 7/6/2016 near-total ban on US interstate commerce in African elephant ivory, subject to the stated exceptions, i.e., antique, de minimis, CITES pre-convention certified, etc. The Memorandum also does not mention or affect any African elephant ivory ownership or commerce ban or restrictions imposed by individual states.

Here is a link/location to the US DOI Fish & Wildlife Service 3/1/2018 Memorandum.

https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/me...ed-trophies.pdf

Bob