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Originally Posted by David
What does it cost to get such a permit. Not really an excuse if you have the money to lay out almost $10,000 for such a sword, but probably the reason the average buyer doesn't do it. And the buyer is sometimes half way around the world. Doesn't the seller need to be the one to pursue such a permit since the sword is in their hands? Most sellers aren't interested in pursuing such a thing. So i think it is really the sellers who are lazy.
I know for sure that quite a bit of ivory comes into the USA right past customs through all kinds of delivery systems. Don't know how or even if they really check packages that come into this country for ivory parts. They may be more thorough in other countries.  |
Yes, the CITES-export permit must be issued by the authority in the country from which the item is exported and my point was also that application for one is the responsibility of any decent seller. Depending on the material and the country of import however, a corresponding CITES-import permit might also be needed, so as a buyer it definitely pays to check up with your local authority. Having to confiscate awesome antiques is just so damn meaningless, but I guess it's also because I can personally
really relate to the disappointment of the importer/collector.
I know the cost of a permit is £45,- in the UK, while here in the socialist regime that I call home, its free. But then again, we also have the world's highest most crushing personal tax pressure, so I really don't have my arms up in celebration over that fact. I don't know about prices in the US, although I'd be curious to find out.
Take care, - Thor