Some antiques are made from materials that are restricted from use or import under current laws.
One such regulation is an international treaty known as the Washington Convention, which makes it very difficult to import antiques made from materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell.

This article explains the contents of the Washington Convention and the materials that are prohibited under it.

1. What is the Washington Convention?

Its official name is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and it is an international agreement aimed at protecting wild animals and plants.
It is widely known by this name because it was adopted in Washington, D.C., in 1973.

This treaty aims to conserve species by regulating international trade in wild animals and plants that are threatened with extinction or could become so.
Japan joined this treaty in 1980 and has enacted domestic laws to implement its provisions.

The Washington Convention regulates not only living animals and plants but also products made from them.
Under the Washington Convention, the species covered are classified into three "Appendices" according to the level of protection they require.

*These Appendices are reviewed periodically and amended as necessary.

Japan Customs: Washington Convention

2. Regulated Materials

Western antiques may be made from materials regulated by the Washington Convention. Here are some typical examples.

Ivory

Ivory made from elephant tusks has been used as a material for various decorative items because of its beautiful luster and ease of working.
It is often used for cane handles, furniture and box inlays, and carvings.

However, poaching of elephants for ivory has become a serious problem, and ivory is now strictly regulated by the Washington Convention.

Tortoiseshell

Tortoiseshell made from the shells of hawksbill sea turtles is characterized by its unique pattern and luster, and has been used for decorative items and crafts.
It is often used for combs, eyeglass frames, and furniture and box decorations.
Hawksbill turtles are also threatened with extinction and are protected by the Washington Convention.

Rosewood, Mahogany

Rosewood and mahogany are fine woods that have been used for furniture and musical instruments.
Due to overlogging, some species are now regulated by the Washington Convention.

There are several varieties, but "Brazilian rosewood" is listed in Appendix I.
Since 2019, some exceptions have applied to musical instruments.

Other Materials

In addition to the above, materials such as crocodile leather, snake leather, coral, and the fur of certain animals may also be regulated by the Washington Convention.

3. Points to Note When Importing into Japan

Proof That the Material Pre-dates the Convention

In principle, importing items for commercial purposes is prohibited if they contain materials listed in Appendix I, such as ivory, tortoiseshell, and Brazilian rosewood.
However, import is permitted if you can provide proof of "pre-Convention acquisition," certifying that the item existed before the material was listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention.

Since the Washington Convention was issued in 1975, you may think that antiques made before then are not subject to it.

However, antiques may have been repaired at some point, and it is often difficult to prove that the material itself truly predates the Convention.
If there are any deficiencies in the supporting documents, the item will be detained at customs and cannot be imported.

Also, care is required because materials such as rosewood and crocodile leather may be listed in different Appendices depending on the specific species.

Watch Out for Materials Used in Small Parts

In antiques, even if it is not the main material, some very small parts may be made from materials regulated by the Washington Convention, such as ivory.
For example, small parts may be inserted into teapot handles to prevent heat from being transferred.

If you import such a teapot, the original parts must be removed and replaced with parts made from non-regulated materials such as buffalo horn or resin before it can be shipped.

Personal Carry-ins and Transactions Within Japan

Even if you purchase an item as a souvenir for personal use and bring it back to Japan, it may be detained if you do not follow the proper procedures.

Items that were imported into Japan before the Washington Convention regulations were in place, or that were imported following the proper procedures, can be bought and sold within Japan.
However, even for domestic transactions, ivory and tortoiseshell are restricted by Japan's "Species Conservation Act," which is based on the Washington Convention, and you must register as a business operator with the government to handle them.

Ministry of the Environment: What is the Species Conservation Act?

Summary

Antiques made from materials such as ivory and tortoiseshell, whose import and export are regulated by the Washington Convention, are either prohibited from being imported for commercial purposes or require complex procedures.
Therefore, our store does not generally carry antiques made from such materials.

The covered materials and regulations may also change in the future.
If you have any concerns or questions, please obtain accurate information by contacting the relevant authorities.