Over 5,800 items from protected plant and animal species have been handed in to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) over the past year, from July 2025 to the present. This is significantly more than the same period a year earlier, when the RVO received approximately 1,100 items.
According to a spokesperson, it is difficult to say what is causing the increase. “The items are handed in anonymously. It could involve more collectors or traders. Last year, however, we did see many full moving boxes coming in.”
The majority of the items consist of elephant ivory, such as ivory jewelry. Other items included a rhinoceros skull with a gunshot hole, crocodile leather bags, and stuffed birds.
A permit is required to possess and trade these items. People who do not have a permit can hand in the items anonymously to the RVO, either physically in a bin in The Hague or by mail. According to the spokesperson, the latter option is being used increasingly often.
The RVO destroys the majority of the surrendered items to prevent them from entering the illegal trade. A small portion is used for research and educational purposes, for example, to show customs officers and police officers the types of goods being produced.