peewee
Well-known member
I'm going on a trip that involves multiple crossings of the US/Canada border and debating what uke to bring.
One concern is compliance with CITES, an international treaty which subjects any instrument thought to contain listed endangered materials to confiscation if it doesn't have the proper paperwork. Listed materials include brazilian rosewood, some ebonies, elephant ivory, some types of abalone along with tons of other types of wood... older (pre 1975?) instruments are exempt, but it's all at the whim of the customs agent.
I have no way of proving what any of my ukes are made of or when they were made.
For those of you who travel frequently, the US Fish and Wildlife service (and presumably other international entities responsible for CITES enforcement)are establishing a passport program for instruments.
It only lasts three years, and it's non-transferable, and the cost isn't listed on the not-yet-updated form...but if you are a touring musician this might save you some hassle.
Aslo, the USFW website is using a picture of a ukulele!
http://www.fws.gov/international/permits/by-activity/musical-instruments.html
One concern is compliance with CITES, an international treaty which subjects any instrument thought to contain listed endangered materials to confiscation if it doesn't have the proper paperwork. Listed materials include brazilian rosewood, some ebonies, elephant ivory, some types of abalone along with tons of other types of wood... older (pre 1975?) instruments are exempt, but it's all at the whim of the customs agent.
I have no way of proving what any of my ukes are made of or when they were made.
For those of you who travel frequently, the US Fish and Wildlife service (and presumably other international entities responsible for CITES enforcement)are establishing a passport program for instruments.
It only lasts three years, and it's non-transferable, and the cost isn't listed on the not-yet-updated form...but if you are a touring musician this might save you some hassle.
Aslo, the USFW website is using a picture of a ukulele!
http://www.fws.gov/international/permits/by-activity/musical-instruments.html