Rocky,

I think that it means you can apply for a permit to import ivory from those African nations if it is part of a trophy which you sport-hunted. No guarantee that the permit will be issued, but you are able to apply for it and the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis (no such permits issued under former rules).

There has been no change to the ban on interstate ivory commerce or sales in the US in place since July, 2016.

It is still OK to own ivory, but not OK to sell it in interstate commerce unless it qualifies under one of the exceptions (e.g., de minimis usage, made before 7/2016, and is antique or was imported to US pre-CITES convention; and you have the records or documents to prove it). I don't think you'll see RMK, or any other knife makers, changing their no-African elephant ivory policy based on this memorandum.

Bob


Edited by rfcarlin (03/08/18 09:45 PM)
_________________________
Bob Carlin
rfcarlin@hotmail.com
RKCC #622