Buying Wildlife Souvenirs
These would include items made out of wild flora and fauna, or actual wild animals that can be purchased and made into pets once you get home. 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. The first thing you want to find out before buying wildlife items is this - can I legally bring them or import them into the United States?
Beware of 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. In most cases, you can be assured of a good quality product if it is made by a well-known international firm, but there really is no exact way to determine the absolute safety of these products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your return or be used for decorative purposes only.
Purchasing Antiques
Certain countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the "inalienable property of the nation." In some countries, customs authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation, and they may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted for purchasing antiques without a permit. Even worse, many Americans have been arrested for purchasing replicas of antiques from street vendors, as overzealous authorities tend to mistake them for the real thing - a national treasure.
Be protected and informed. 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. Such documentation is usually found in the country's national museum, so this would always be the first place to check. 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. The Consular Section of a country's U.S. Embassy is another invaluable source of information you want to visit. Said Consular Section would always be the first to know if one of their own has been unfairly arrested or prosecuted for "illegally" purchasing antiques. A consular officer is well-informed about local laws, statutes, ordinances and procedures that need to be adhered to.
These would include items made out of wild flora and fauna, or actual wild animals that can be purchased and made into pets once you get home. 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. The first thing you want to find out before buying wildlife items is this - can I legally bring them or import them into the United States?
Beware of 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. In most cases, you can be assured of a good quality product if it is made by a well-known international firm, but there really is no exact way to determine the absolute safety of these products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that ceramic tableware purchased abroad be tested for lead release by a commercial laboratory on your return or be used for decorative purposes only.
Purchasing Antiques
Certain countries consider antiques to be national treasures and the "inalienable property of the nation." In some countries, customs authorities seize illegally purchased antiques without compensation, and they may also levy fines on the purchaser. Americans have been arrested and prosecuted for purchasing antiques without a permit. Even worse, many Americans have been arrested for purchasing replicas of antiques from street vendors, as overzealous authorities tend to mistake them for the real thing - a national treasure.
Be protected and informed. 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. Such documentation is usually found in the country's national museum, so this would always be the first place to check. 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. The Consular Section of a country's U.S. Embassy is another invaluable source of information you want to visit. Said Consular Section would always be the first to know if one of their own has been unfairly arrested or prosecuted for "illegally" purchasing antiques. A consular officer is well-informed about local laws, statutes, ordinances and procedures that need to be adhered to.
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