Ivory Grips

[fishhuntnut]

What is the policy on ROCS and other sites about selling Ivory grips? I know some sites have banned it but from my understanding as long as it is part of a gun, there is not an issue, but not sure if just trying to sell the grips separate. I would value the opinion / wisdom of this forum… lmk, Thanks Tom

[JAYDAWG]

I have purchased a couple sets here with no problems.

[fishhuntnut]

Sorry, I should have mentioned that they are not Ruger Blackhawk grips, they are for a colt 1903/1908. Got them in an auction lot buried amongst Ruger grips, so it was nice surprise… Don’t know if I can put them on eBay or on gunbroker, but am researching..

[RoninPA]

Here's what I found: Yes. U.S. federal wildlife laws and regulations do not prohibit possessing or display of ivory, provided it was lawfully acquired. You do not need a permit from the FWS (Federal Wildlife Service) to possess or display ivory for noncommercial purposes.

I also found this: No, you cannot sell ivory on eBay, as it is prohibited by their policy, aligned with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulations.

IIRC, if it was brought into the US before the total ban in 2016 it is legal to own and sell as long as it is not for commercial use and individual sales of grips should be considered non commercial use. If Ruger or another grip manufacturer were offering them for sale, that would be commercial use and is prohibited.

[t.hinckley]

Under Federal law, you can sell your African elephant ivory within your state (intrastate commerce) if you can demonstrate that your ivory was lawfully imported prior to the date that the African elephant was listed in CITES Appendix I (January 18, 1990). This documentation could be in the form of a CITES pre-Convention certificate, a datable photo, a dated letter or other document referring to the item, or other evidence.

You do not need to obtain a permit from the Service for sales within a state. However, if you are offering African elephant ivory for sale, you should be prepared to provide appropriate documentation to the Service, if asked. We would also suggest that you pass along all documentation to the buyer of your elephant ivory items.

Some states have laws prohibiting or restricting sale of ivory. Check to make sure that you are also in compliance with local and state laws. Contact the state to check on their requirements.

https://www.akti.org/education/the-ivory-ban/

Probably why some forums ban the sale. Too close to that "black market goods" line.