Rhino Horn Exports to be Prevented
Evidence suggests rhino horn and horn products are being imported from across Europe for re-sale in the UK, a trade driven by the higher prices that can be realised on the UK market. Once sold these products are often re-exported, typically to East Asia where powdered rhino horn is used for medicinal purposes.
Fuelled by fears that the burgeoning UK trade in rhino horn will encourage poachers to trap and kill more wild rhinos, export licenses will only be granted in future if buyers and sellers meet stringent criteria.
Richard Benyon, Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries, said: “I am extremely concerned about the increase in the number of rhinoceros horn products being sold through UK auction houses. We believe this is providing a financial incentive for poachers and encouraging the use of rhinoceros horns in Asian medicine. “The Government is committed to protecting endangered species, and in order to do this it has become necessary to take steps to refuse future applications for the export of rhinoceros horn.”
John Hounslow, Head of Animal Health’s Wildlife Licensing Team, said: “There is evidence that comparatively poor examples of taxidermy containing rhino horn have been selling for £40,000 - £50,000 far exceeding their worth as art objects.
“To protect wild rhino populations it is important that future applications for the export of rhinoceros horn, with a small number of notable exceptions, are refused.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
