Maryland’s Wildlife Trafficking Prevention Act

Ivory tusks in a wooden box

Effective October 1, 2022, a new Maryland law bans the sale, purchase, offer for sale, or the possession with intent to sell* of products derived from 17 animal species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Natural Resources Police are enforcing this law and educating the public on how it may impact them.

Covered Animal Species:

Bonobo
Cheetah
Chimpanzee
Elephant
Giraffe
Gorilla

Hippopotamus
Jaguar
Leopard
Lion
Mammoth
Mastodon

Orangutan​​
Pangolin
Rhinoceros
Sea Turtle
Tiger​

*Includes possessing the covered animal species part or product in a retail or wholesale establishment where similar items are bought and sold.

Note that these new regulations do not restrict personal possession of products containing parts of these species – you may legally keep such items if you currently own them, but not buy, sell, or offer to sell them. Maryland regulations do not supersede federal regulations on possession of these items.

Exceptions to the Law

  1. Antiques containing the covered animal species part or product, provided that the antique status is at least 100 years old and has documentation showing its provenance. The total weight of the covered animal species part or product must be less than 200 grams.
  2. Musical instruments, knives, and firearms, provided that the covered animal species part or product was legally acquired, is a fixed or integral part of the item, and comprises less than 20% of the total weight of the item.

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for violating this law include forfeiture of the item and fines of up to $3,000 for the first offense and $10,000 for subsequent offenses.

Contact:

  • Questions: Maryland Natural Resources Police Communications, 410-260-8888
  • Report violations: Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers, 443-433-4112​

DNR and NRP logos