Loopholes of the U.S Laws and Regulations
Despite the U.S government’s great effort to prohibit ivory trade in the U.S., and the high sense of awareness of people in the U.S., there are many loopholes within U.S. law that provides opportunity for smugglers.
1. Exemptions of the U.S. Laws. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there is no commercial import or export of raw ivory. However, there are a few exemptions, such as: raw ivory as hunting trophies with no limit, worked ivory carved into statues or art as antiques, part of a household move or inheritance, part of a musical instrument, or part of a legitimate institution traveling exhibition.
2. Lack of funding and manpower in U.S. enforcement agencies. Many African elephant countries face the same issue. There is less than 330 Fish & Wildlife inspectors and agents to patrol against this huge criminal colossus around the largest U.S. ports. The number is the same as 30 years ago (Fears).
3. Light Sentences. The criminals smuggling ivory go largely unpunished or with little punishment. Sometimes there are only fines without jail times.
