Buying Wildlife Souvenirs

Here are a few words of warning should you want to bring home a live pet or buy any other souvenir crafted from wild animals or plants. You want to exercise caution and discretion when transporting items made out of elephant tusks (ivory), leather made from crocodile skin or other wild animal hide or fur from exotic cat breeds – these cannot legally be brought into American soil. Your wildlife souvenirs could be confiscated by government inspectors, and you could face other penalties for attempting to bring them into the United States. Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain that they are legal for import into the United States.

Glazed Ceramics

Travelers should also be warned about glazed ceramic ware bought overseas. Lead poisoning is an imminent danger that can be caused by food and beverages served in glazed ceramics of inferior quality. There is no hard, fast rule that would help you determine whether these items are safe or not, but normally they would be if they are manufactured by an internationally renowned company. Authorities from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggest that when purchasing glazed ceramics overseas, they should be immediately tested for lead release at a reputable laboratory once you return home, or be merely used as decoration.

A Warning on Antiques

When buying antiques abroad, you have to be careful as some countries regard antiques as a national treasure not to be tampered with. This would include illegally purchasing antiques, and these fine products may be confiscated from your possession as the minimum punishment – in many cases you may be slapped with a generous fine. Many law-abiding Americans have been arrested and charged for not having a permit when purchasing antiques. Many national treasures like these are sold as replicas by street vendors – and many a tourist has been nabbed by eager authorities who think they had actually made an illegal purchase.

Protect yourself. Do your research, as some countries have that high a regard for antiques, and document everything that needs to be documented, secure all permits that need to be secured. Your first stop would usually be the country’s national museum if you wish to secure one of these permits or documents. Seek the aid of a reputable dealer for additional information, or to get an export permit. If you have questions about purchasing antiques, the country’s tourist office can guide you. And when all else fails, the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate should have the answers for you in their Consular Section. In places where Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular Section is usually well aware of such situations. And when it comes to local laws, consular officers know everything there is to know.

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