Shipping Compliance
Updated February 12, 2024
Wildlife Species
The import and export of musical instruments containing materials from some endangered, protected or wildlife species are restricted by different government entities, but handled by Tarisio:
For our New York sales, this concerns mother-of-pearl and lizard skin.
Item sells in New York and then stays in the USA: all clear!
Item sells in New York and then goes outside the USA:
- If it contains Mother of Pearl, a USFW declaration is needed ($125, all fees included).
- If it contains lizard skin: these materials will be removed and can be replaced at the bidder’s expense.
For our London sales, this concerns the protected Rosewood species, Dalbergia Nigra, lizard skin, tortoiseshell, ivory and whalebone:
Item sells in London and stays in the UK: all clear!
Item sells in London and is exported outside the UK: these materials will be removed and can be replaced at bidder’s expense, or a CITES export permit can be applied for on the bidder’s behalf for £90 + VAT
For our Berlin sales, this concerns the protected Rosewood species, Dalbergia Nigra, lizard skin, tortoiseshell, ivory and whalebone:
Item sells in Berlin and stays in the EU: all clear!
Item sells in Berlin and is exported outside the EU: these materials will be removed and can be replaced at bidder’s expense, or a CITES export permit can be applied for on bidder’s behalf for €105 + VAT
Cultural Goods
Tarisio London and Tarisio Berlin will assist buyers who wish to export cultural goods out of the UK/Germany or out of the EU by applying for an export license (£60 / €70 plus VAT). The age and value of the instrument, as well as whether the export is permanent, will determine whether an export license is required.
- We may require written permission to act as your agent in any application
- We handle all export paperwork but do not handle import paperwork. We advise checking with your country’s customs authority to see if import permits are also required.
- The USA does not permit the commercial import of any items containing tortoiseshell or ivory.
- As of December 14, 2019, the CITES organization has created an exception in their regulations for Rosewood. There are now only restrictions on the import and export of musical instruments containing the Dalbergia Nigra species.
Note to Consignors – Wildlife Species
- Tarisio can sell items with tortoiseshell, ivory, lizard skin, whalebone or Dalbergia Nigra if the instrument or bow was made prior to 1947 and thorough provenance is provided.
Please email info.newyork@tarisio.com, info.london@tarisio.com,or info.berlin@tarisio.com for more information.