A String Player’s Guide to the Ivory Ban

If you plan to travel abroad this summer, you may need a passport… for your bow.

Horror stories have been circulating about the confiscation of string players’ bows at international borders due to the recent “ivory ban.” On Saturday, May 31st, seven bows belonging to members of the Budapest Festival Orchestra were seized at JFK Airport (these did not have proper documentation, and have since been released). More alarming – a bow owned by a double-bassist in the Bavarian Radio Orchestra has been held at JFK since the orchestra passed through in mid-May, as it was found to contain a piece of bone from an endangered whale. While negotiations are ongoing, it is uncertain when, or if, it will be returned.

It is clear that the implications of the “ivory ban” (also enforced for other endangered species) are serious, and, while some musicians have been “flying under the radar” it is no longer wise for string players to ignore them. On the “good news” front – yes, there is some! – conservation authorities in various countries have been helpful in guiding musicians through the process of obtaining paperwork. (Conservationists are good people, after all).

The League of American Orchestras continues to advocate tirelessly for musicians and ensembles in the face of the newly-enforced laws, and their website is the best resource available:

http://americanorchestras.org/

Yikes! What exactly is “banned” and is my instrument or bow at risk?

Regardless of whether your bow or instrument contains any wildlife, it is recommended that you obtain and travel with an appraisal or pro forma invoice documenting the following:

‌          • materials used in making your bow/instrument
‌          • the maker and approximate date it was made (if known)
‌          • the country where it was made

If possible, it would also be wise to bring with you proof of insurance and a document showing when it was purchased.

Once you know the plant or animal materials you are dealing with, you can search the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) database [e.g. enter “elephant” for ivory] on this page (http://checklist.cites.org/#) to see which species are protected under “appendix I.” These are the materials for which you will need a CITES certificate (thanks to the League of American Orchestras for this resource page, including links to the CITES application).

As a head-start, the most common endangered materials used in making string instruments and bows are:

‌          • African and/or Asian elephant ivory (often found at the tip of bows,
——— but sometimes also as wrappings or decorative work)
‌          • Tortoiseshell
‌          • Brazilian Rosewood
‌          • Certain types of snake-skin (most commonly used as bow wrappings)

(NOTE: mother-of-pearl is also a protected substance that must be declared upon entering customs in the US, but it does not require a CITES permit)

Uh-oh, I’m carrying contraband – what do I do now?

According to the order of the Director of US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) amended on May 15, 2014, instruments containing materials protected under Appendix I of the CITES endangered species list may be imported and exported, provided:

1. The instrument was purchased before February 25, 2014

2. The instrument is accompanied by a CITES musical instrument certificate

Note that, in order to obtain a CITES certificate, the protected materials used in making an instrument or bow must have been legally acquired “pre-convention” that is, prior to being listed as endangered.

3. While a CITES certificate will provide clearance for species protected under international law, you must also check to be sure you are also meeting requirements of all countries you are visiting (For example, if leaving or entering the US, you must also fill out and bring with you form 3-117 from US Fish and Wildlife Services).

Ok… I’m flying to Lucerne in 3 weeks – how do I get a CITES certificate?

1. You must obtain the CITES permit/certificate in your country of origin (meaning your location before you take your first international flight – not your birth country). The CITES website provides a list of contacts in each country. Contact the authorities there for help on applying for a CITES certificate.

2. While you’ll read that processing times can take up to 45-60 days (yikes!) I’ve been told that, if you explain your time restrictions to authorities, they will rush applications… some musicians have received documents in one or two weeks. In general, you should try to speak with an official before mailing your application to be sure you have filled it in properly (this can prevent unnecessary delays).

3. Be sure you know the terms of your CITES certificate (if you are traveling out of the US, you can obtain a “passport” good for 3 years, but other countries may limit this to one round-trip, a period of several months, etc.)

4. The application fee for a CITES passport obtained in the US is $75 (this varies slightly, country-by-country)

Got the permit – check! Just need to fill out an online E-declaration

Form 3-117 is available from the Fish and Wildlife website, and is a declaration form used for import and export of fish or wildlife. CITES permit approval number is needed for this form, and be prepared to provide the Latin name (genus and species) for each animal or plant product you are declaring.

Navigating Customs – the final step!

Once you have obtained your CITES passport, when flying into the US, you will need to call US Fish and Wildlife one week (48 hours minimum) in advance of your arrival to schedule an appointment for inspection. A list of ports of entry and the wildlife materials they are able to inspect, is available from the League of American Orchestras.

Because the Fish and Wildlife offices are often located in a different building than the customs office, you should allow additional time both when entering and exiting the country.

When meeting with Fish and Wildlife at the airport, you should carry the following on your person:

———-• Valid CITES passport or certificate
———-• Completed form 3-177
———-• An appraisal or pro forma invoice describing your instrument or bow
———-• Photos of your instrument or bow showing the wildlife materials used.

Musicians who have traveled with the above documentation have been able to pass through customs without incident.

Final Thoughts – Is all this worth it?

In light of the hassle and paperwork so painfully detailed above, some musicians have opted (at least temporarily) to travel with bows that do not contain wildlife. Some bow makers are now replacing ivory, snakeskin, and other protected materials with mammoth tooth, plastic, and other innocuous materials. Each musician will need to weigh the risks and decide what is best for them.

In Summary, a Check-List

1. “Know your bow” and obtain paperwork documenting materials used in
making it.

2. If your bow was purchased before February 25, 2014, apply for a CITES passport or certificate in the country where you are now.

3. Fill out form 3-177 (read the instructions carefully on this one!)

4. Check the list of “Ports of Entry” to find out where your instrument can be inspected.

5. Schedule an appointment with Fish and Wildlife at a designated port of entry.

Bon voyage and best of luck!