Goods Across Borders · Customs rule card
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items → Philippines
Purpose: Traveling · Verified: 2026-07-25
Ivory & CITES-Listed Items import prohibited
Details
Trade in elephant ivory is banned under CITES Appendix I listings. Both import and export of new ivory are prohibited in virtually all countries that are CITES parties. Antique ivory (pre-1947 and in some markets pre-1975 with documentation) may be e. Enforcement in Philippines carries fines from PHP 100,000 to PHP 10,000,000 under Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165); CMTA s.1401 (smuggling). In the reverse direction (taking ivory & cites-listed items out of Philippines): prohibited — Elephant ivory may not be taken out of Philippines — CITES Appendix I listing and domestic ivory laws prohibit cross-border movement of post-1975 ivory, and antique exemptions require permits.
Leaving with this item
Elephant ivory may not be taken out of Philippines — CITES Appendix I listing and domestic ivory laws prohibit cross-border movement of post-1975 ivory, and antique exemptions require permits.
Practical advice
Do not bring ivory & cites-listed items to this country. Penalties may be severe. If unsure, declare on arrival — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods found in screening are seized and fined.
Customs authority
Bureau of Customs (BOC) · https://customs.gov.ph