All items · Restricted materials

Ivory and items that may contain ivory

Also covers: ivory ornament, ivory keys, tusk, bone carving

Can you donate ivory and items that may contain ivory to a UK charity shop? Usually not.

The short answer Almost all say no Of the 153 UK charities we track, 39 say no and 4 may accept in some cases. Evidence last verified

Why shops may refuse it

The Ivory Act bans most dealing in ivory unless a specific exemption applies, so ordinary shops are unlikely to accept it.

What to do instead

Do not assume an old item is exempt. Ask a reputable specialist to identify it and check the current exemption and registration rules.

Charity by charity

43 mentions
Not mentioned in 110 charities' guidance

Absence from a charity's list doesn't mean they accept it — it just isn't singled out. Ask your local shop.