Keris and us customs?

Laowang · 31st December 2016, 12:52 AM

I've purchased a number of keris from international sources over the last few years; some have been sent to me through international mail (either from international dealers, or eBay sellers), others I have brought back from trips to SE Asia in my luggage. I've never had a problem with US customs in either case. I've typically declared my keris on the customs declaration form when going through US customs, and no customs agent ever bothered to even inspect it (I've done this at least four times, with everything from a 13" long Palembang keris to a 19" long Balinese keris).

Per Ian's comment below, pay attention to CITES restrictions. Elephant ivory and turtle shell (which sometimes occurs on Javanese pendoks) are forbidden, and subject to seizure and destruction. Customs agents are unlikely to be able to distinguish between elephant ivory and other forms of material (hippo teeth, marine ivory) that appear similar.

31st December 2016, 12:52 AM	#5
Laowang Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: 40˚00' N, 83˚00' W Posts: 52	I've purchased a number of keris from international sources over the last few years; some have been sent to me through international mail (either from international dealers, or eBay sellers), others I have brought back from trips to SE Asia in my luggage. I've never had a problem with US customs in either case. I've typically declared my keris on the customs declaration form when going through US customs, and no customs agent ever bothered to even inspect it (I've done this at least four times, with everything from a 13" long Palembang keris to a 19" long Balinese keris). Per Ian's comment below, pay attention to CITES restrictions. Elephant ivory and turtle shell (which sometimes occurs on Javanese pendoks) are forbidden, and subject to seizure and destruction. Customs agents are unlikely to be able to distinguish between elephant ivory and other forms of material (hippo teeth, marine ivory) that appear similar.