Update, August 16, 2011:
In accordance with this policy and that pertaining to Endangered Species, Tarisio is obligated to remove all non-cattle leather (snake-skin, lizzard skin, and the like) used for grips on bows to be shipped outside of the USA.
This notice applies to international shipments originating from Tarisio New York
As of December 1, 2010, international shipments, originating from Tarisio New York, containing wildlife will incur a declaration fee of $125 for legal exportation of animal parts and wildlife per USFWS laws.
The fee is a flat-rate per shipment, regardless of the number of pieces containing wildlife. For the purpose of the instrument and bow trade, “wildlife” includes oyster mother of pearl (pinctada maxima) used frequently in bows as decorative eye and slide-inserts.
The fee is the result of newly-enforced regulation by US Fish & Wildlife Services, the regulating authority on the importation and exportation of wildlife products.
International shipments containing bows may be delayed after payment for 5-8 business days while Tarisio works on your behalf to legally declare your shipment. We thank you for your patience during this step!
Some FAQs:
Are horse-hair and cow-leather grips considered “wildlife?”
There is no need to declare these products and no fees to pay. These products are specifically exempt from the laws that govern the importing and exporting of animal parts, and may be shipped and transported freely. (That’s good news!)
What about the material used for bow tips?
Mammoth ivory is exempt from both USFWS and CITES regulation. There are no barriers to shipping this material internationally. (Also good news!)
Wait! How is this related to CITES, or elephant ivory and tortoise-shell?
As you may already be aware, Tarisio does not sell bows containing ivory or tortoise-shell that are less than 100 years old, per the CITES convention. The new regulation described above is different because it applies to non-endangered animal parts, while CITES applies to endangered species. Please see our blog for more information about ivory, tortoise-shell, endangered species, and CITES.
Please email info@tarisio.com for more information or clarification.