rogerstodge Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Anyone ever had a problem shipping a bass from the states because of the dot inlays? I am at the moment, its a gibson sg standard bass, i thought it was only the custom made guitars that had mother of pearl inlays.. Obviously not.. i: The merchandise received on your behalf from Southpaw Guitars contains an item or items subject US Fish and Wildlife Services’ (USFWS) Regulations (US Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (50CFR) – Wildlife and Fisheries, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). Our Trade Compliance Team has determined that the following item requires that we file Form 3-177 (Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife) before exporting to you: Musical Instrument We will apply for the export declaration with USFWS on your behalf for a fee of $180. This process may add up to three additional days to the processing of your shipment. If you do not wish to accept this declaration fee, we can assist you in returning the item to the sender or forwarding it to another address within the USA: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 [quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1402438743' post='2473631'] Anyone ever had a problem shipping a bass from the states because of the dot inlays? I am at the moment, its a gibson sg standard bass, i thought it was only the custom made guitars that had mother of pearl inlays.. Obviously not.[/quote] No experience of the import/export bit but I'm a bit lost; the Gibson SG Standard Bass has Trap inlays - and they're acrylic - according to the Gibson site? Or is yours an earlier mark - or an older EB3 that you know for sure is genuine MOP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerstodge Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share Posted June 11, 2014 Thanks for the quick response, mine is a 2013 model and i was pretty sure that they were acrylic, i couldn't find anything on the web anywhere, is there a link you could send me so i can copy it and send it to the shipping firm? Thanks again . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 (edited) The US dept of Wildlife and Fisheries set up new regulations at some point last year. I know it covers the export of abalone so it's entirely feasible that it also applied to MoP. The supplier has to get a form certified that essentially says the shell products used have come from a sustainable source (at least I think that's what the form does). The butterfly logo in each Fodera is subject to this restriction so each one has to have the correct form approved before it's allowed out for export. Fodera are super efficient and handle all this on their side but it does add about £100 to the cost of each instrument (that's with VAT and 3% UK import duties applied). Fodera handle this at cost plus a fixed $25 to cover all the admin hassle. I think the official approval form was some I like $115 so I'm not sure why this one is $180. I think everyone is supposed to clear stuff this way but I'm sure not all suppliers do. Not at all surprised that Gibsons would need to be properly cleared after the problems they've had with Brazilian rosewood. Edited June 11, 2014 by molan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molan Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 (edited) Just re-read the original post (I'm on iphone with very poor connection!). The price difference sounds like they are marking up the cost a fair bit. Maybe ask if this cost can not be shown on the export value because it's all administration and not instrument value. At least that might save you the 23% charge on top when it hits the UK. Edited June 11, 2014 by molan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 The way I read it is that they take that $180 fee on top of the federal fees, and I hope I'm wrong but they also do not say that that includes the federal fee. Maybe best to make sure before reaching a decision. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 [quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1402463832' post='2473708'] Thanks for the quick response, mine is a 2013 model and i was pretty sure that they were acrylic, i couldn't find anything on the web anywhere, is there a link you could send me so i can copy it and send it to the shipping firm? Thanks again . [/quote] Can't get more of an authroirty on it than the people who built it.......... [url="http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/SG-Standard-Bass/Features.aspx"]http://www2.gibson.c...s/Features.aspx[/url] Click on the "Trapezoid Inlays" in the right hand menu for the "acrylic" bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerstodge Posted June 11, 2014 Author Share Posted June 11, 2014 [quote name='Big_Stu' timestamp='1402493365' post='2474101'] Can't get more of an authroirty on it than the people who built it.......... [url="http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Bass/Gibson-USA/SG-Standard-Bass/Features.aspx"]http://www2.gibson.c...s/Features.aspx[/url] Click on the "Trapezoid Inlays" in the right hand menu for the "acrylic" bit. [/quote]cheers for that , i also clicked on the headstock logo that says handcut mother of pearl.. Bugger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 [quote name='rogerstodge' timestamp='1402503811' post='2474215'] cheers for that , i also clicked on the headstock logo that says handcut mother of pearl.. Bugger [/quote] Bugger indeed! So is that what they're referring to - not the neck inlays at all? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerstodge Posted June 12, 2014 Author Share Posted June 12, 2014 Cheers Stu, I couldn't get out of that one so ive paid $ 180 for the licence Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 (edited) [font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=2][color=#000000]I recently contacted the UK Musicians Union about the implications of CITES on travelling abroad with instruments which include exotic woods that may have restrictions on their movements. I was curious because there is a possibility of some international festival dates for me next year and I want to be sure I can travel to and from here with my bass. [/color][/size][/font] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]Here was the response taken directly from the email I got in response. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]================================================================== [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]Do you have Ivory or Brazilian Rosewood, Abalone or other materials built into your instrument? [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]Are you travelling overseas with your instrument? [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]If so, there are certain precautions you should take to protect your instrument, especially if travelling to the USA . [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) [[/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.cites.org/"]http://www.cites.org/[/url][color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]] has for some time now been concerned with the illegal trade of endangered flora and fauna such as Brazilian Rosewood, African Ivory, Mother of Pearl and Abalone to name but a few. These species have for many years been used in instrument manufacture. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have introduced regulations that allow for instruments with certain endangered species to be seized by authorities when musicians have been entering or leaving the country when working. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]This has raised grave concerns for the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American League of Orchestras who have been lobbying hard for an exemption for musicians. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]Thanks to their efforts, the USFWS issued an amended order making it possible to travel with instruments made, sold or transferred before February 2014. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The key thing here is that while this exemption now exists you still need to be able to prove purchase, transfer details of the instrument and have supporting documentation. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]You can read the original order and the amendment here [[/size][/font][/color][url="http://fws.gov/policy/do210.html"]http://fws.gov/policy/do210.html[/url][color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]] [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]CITES has recommended the use of an ‘Instrument Passport’ which, when drawn up and approved, will identify when the instrument was bought, and should include accompanying purchase/transfer documentation and identifying photos of the instrument. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The MU has discussed this issue with International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and employers across Europe. A joint letter is being drawn up asking that clear concise information from CITES and the US Government be issued as to how musicians can obtain these 'passports'. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]We have also spoken to the AFM and they advise having both a permit from your home country and a permit for the country to which you are travelling. If you are travelling to the US for a single visit, a permit may be obtained here [[/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.fws.gov/international/permits/by-activity/musical-instruments.html"]http://www.fws.gov/i...nstruments.html[/url][color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]] [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The MU contacted the UK authorities over this issue. We have been advised that until such time as the internationally recognised ‘instrument passport’ is available, UK musicians can apply for a CITES Permit as an individual or a group here [[/size][/font][/color][url="http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/category/forms/cites/"]http://www.defra.gov...ry/forms/cites/[/url][color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]] [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The form you require is FED0172. They have confirmed this form will be recognised by overseas authorities and provide you with the protection you require. However, we would advise that if you have any concerns you do contact them directly. They are best placed to answer any questions you may have. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]The Union is working with other international musicians unions and employers on your behalf to try to make this process easier and more transparent for musicians. We will update this information as necessary. [/size][/font][/color] [color=#000000][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica][size=1]==================================================================[/size][/font][/color] Edited July 8, 2014 by jazzyvee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Carlos Santana's guitar tech discusses a little about the problems if CITES in this rig rundown http://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=MBNm0Ax4Vzc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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