D.C. Code § 22-1862: Unlawful distribution of a prohibited animal product.

(a)

Beginning one year after October 1, 2020, a person commits the offense of unlawful distribution of a prohibited animal product if that person knowingly imports, sells, offers for sale, purchases, barters, trades, or possesses with intent to sell a prohibited animal product.

(b)

Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, a person does not commit the offense of unlawful distribution of a prohibited animal product if the person:

(1)

Bequeaths the prohibited animal product to the legal beneficiary of an estate or trust upon the death of the owner;

(2)

Gifts or donates the prohibited animal product without remuneration;

(3)

Is a government employee or agent conducting law enforcement activities pursuant to federal, state, or local law;

(4)

Is an educational or scientific institution that imports, sells, offers for sale, purchases, barters, trades, or possesses with intent to sell a prohibited animal product for educational or scientific purposes;

(5)

Is engaging in an activity that is expressly authorized by federal law or a permit issued pursuant to federal law;

(6)

Imports, sells, offers for sale, purchases, barters, trades, or possesses with intent to sell a prohibited animal product that is part of an antique that:

(A)

Is composed of not more than 20% of a prohibited animal product by volume; and

(B)

The person can, through documentation, establish provenance and demonstrate that the antique is at least 100 years old; or

(7)

Imports, sells, offers for sale, purchases, barters, trades, or possesses with intent to sell a prohibited animal product that is part of a musical instrument that:

(A)

Is composed of less than 20% of a prohibited animal product by volume; and

(B)

The person can establish provenance and demonstrate that the musical instrument was manufactured before 1976.

(c)

The act of obtaining an appraisal of a prohibited animal product alone shall not constitute possession with intent to sell or offer for sale.