I am wondering what is the latest status on this. Are there now exceptions for musical instruments, so would it be ok to import a banjo to the US with a brazilian rosewood fingerboard?
My latest knowledge here is from 2018, where it was not possible.
Martin
Martin - regarding CITES allowances and what's possible to ship across international borders:
(...BTW, this post MAY be nixed by moderators since I've personally been chastised for expressing information "too close" to sounding like I know what legal issue I'm posting about. This is my second post about this topic but I'll chance it and go forward with courage.)
In Germany there should (1) exist a CITES representative or if not a CITES [paid] staff member then an individual assigned to CITES issues. That 'designated' person my office up in the German Customs network somewhere - or (2) better yet, go to the CITES home page and search for CITES reps in your region - or you might have 1 representative for the entire EU. I dunno but that's your homework.
Of that CITES representative be sure to ask nitty-gritty questions.
My story: some 10 years ago I searched for the Canadian CITES representative and lo and behold I finally was connected to a lady in Ottawa Ontario (Canadian Capital city) who was THE CITES final voice of authority here. She was very pleasant, answered my questions, and I believe she gave me further links to study.
Although the overall contact was satisfactory I did discover a very important inadvertent snag or doubt when shipping across borders. The fact is that Customs line agents are not credentialed botanists or zoologists, therefore, an agent's discretion - if they even 'think' or suspect that an object contains restricted materials - the object (i.e., banjo) can be flagged and pulled off line to be further examined by a qualified, trained, and knowledgeable inspector (botanist/zoologist) who, in the situation regarding fretboard material, may magnify its porosity, ring structure, and other physical properties to render a pass or no-go through the checkpoint.
The material on the one hand may be totally legit material but one must keep in mind what potential collateral damage may occur during handling, etc., etc., while the banjo is in a detained state of limbo. And the shipper (you) are required to pay for the expert examination (last I knew was over $100USD, and the shipment is detained at that location for xxx days until the examiner's schedule posts him to that Customs facility within his/her rounds of Customs facilities. Thus, said examinations may not be undertaken every day there but examiner called in when necessary.
My opinion though is, whatever legitimate documentation you could include about the source of, and manufacturer's attestation of CITES compliance then possibly your instrument may merrily move along nicely - but best to discuss the situation with the CITES representative (or possibly even a knowledgeable Customs supervisor) whom you've ferreted out during your homework period.
My further opinion is based in skepticism - that is, i would suggest not to believe entirely what you were told by the seller regarding the fretboard material is (or abalone inlay species, or ivory nut for example), rather, check it out the best you can but the examiner has the final word. And if the examiner determines the banjo contains restricted materials then it is seized.
Last note...some folks will reply something to the effect that they've shipped "lots of banjos to/from Canada and to/from other farther international points "with no problems" - and rightly so for certain reasons, but there are those special uptown or vintage banjos that I can imagine contain restricted materials. This then brings to question date of manufacture vs, date of CITES legislation. (....refer to CITES rules.)
Edited by - banjoT1 on 02/11/2025 00:51:36
Thanks for the fast reply. I see issues when I want to sell an old banjo, which I bought used years ago and no such documentation exists.
You're fine.
Email US Fish and Wildlife Services and they will tell you the same.
We have been dealing with CITES for two decades, vintage instruments, new instruments and lumber in Brazilian rosewood. You can do all of that flawlessly JUST FOLLOW THE RULES.
...could you be a bit more vague ?
Cant give specific information without specific questions, get real. I do this for a living, ask or dont waste time
Wouldn't want you to waste any of your time to generously offer any tips for those folks not nearly as knowledgeable as you apparently are.
....lighten up.
quote:
Originally posted by banjoT1...could you be a bit more vague ?
You gave no details — still haven't. "old banjo" isn't enough information.
Original question: "import a banjo to the US (from Germany) with a brazilian rosewood fingerboard"
For discussion, let's assume this is the intended action. (May have to clarify if the poster means to "import a banjo (into Germany) from the U.S.A.," which would be a more common scenario.)
Where does the poster start, in order to get good information about acquiring the suitable export permission from Germany and import permission from the U.S.A. (or vice versa)?
It would be good to go to where the bulk of helpful information is, which is on guitar forums, since many valuable vintage guitars were had bodies made of Brazilian rosewood, and there is a thriving business of buying/selling these guitars internationally. Here is a link to the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum: https://umgf.com/have-guitar-passport-will-travel-with-vintage-guit-t156716.html
And here is a link to a Fretboard Journal article: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/have-guitar-passport-will-travel/
Hope this information will be of use.
Alex > in my opinion your posting was helpful in many ways. It certainly gives [OP] Martin sufficient detailed information to work with, and offered in a civil and pleasant demeanor - the bonus is that woven through your message is an invitation and 'welcome sign' to others that their questions are encouraged and that existing here are many folks quite willing to pass along or share with others, some of what they've learned over 3 months or 30 years.
Conversely, and so it goes, there are folks - perhaps otherwise quite skilled in one way or other - but not so patient with, or tolerant of questions where generosity of answers is burdensome.
Edited by - banjoT1 on 02/19/2025 01:02:28
Ignorance and arrogance will get you nowhere dude, in the DECADES Ive been here, my entire goal is share information and experience, Iam well known for that, if you are not experiencing that look in the mirror for the reason. SHARING knowlege is a two way street, learn that.
Edited by - desert rose on 02/19/2025 05:21:59
Newest Posts
'Prewar Kershner Tailpiece ' 27 min
'Coleman's March' 1 hr
'Good Sunday Morning' 3 hrs
'A First fer me....' 10 hrs
