Quote:
Originally Posted by thomas hauschild
Yes a pitty.Newly in germany we have new laws about elephant ivory since a few month. Every trade ist strictly forbidden now. No matter if pieces are pre CITES or not.
I have around 10 pieces from a collector. Just grips and matching scabbards from badik, rencong and kris. That collector emigrates back from switzerland ( outside EU) and he wanted to save the rest of his collection. Customs pushed him to destroy these blades cause they defined them as „push-daggers“, which are forbidden items in germany.
A pitty
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Sad this example but a piece of advise; one should not & never accept the word of a single customs officer just like that as being the one and only ultimate truth and being forced into something awfull like the above mentioned example!
Customs rules and regulations are not a matter decided by a single officer or the individual interpretation of a certain rule by that officer.
I am not saying at all, that the specific customs officer doesn't know his job...
but being a customs specialist, I can tell you that not all is defined and firm because just one person (or even his superior) says so! As there is more to it than meets the eye.
It is just an interpretation of the rule by an operational man or woman, who who is not actually a legislator / lawmaker or a lawyer !
Not wanted to disrespect and offend these officers who do an excellent job!
It takes too much time and knowledge of the subject to explain it into detail, but short & simple :
1. If one can state his case and substantiate this with proof, it can and will be be accepted by the customs. Customs specialist can fill you in with the details if you want to learn more.
Obviously you need to make a stronge case AND provide excellent professional proof that supports your case conform the customs regulations and legislation.
2. If # 1 still will produce a negative result, you should withdraw the import and look for an alternative legal way to proceed.
And believe me, there are plenty alternatives to import goods into the EU legally and be compliant with EU and local (the specific country's) legislation and thus in the above example have it legally be brought into Germany !
But never let someone convince you to destroy it !
Remember; cheep are there to be shaven...
And because one doesn't know the law, it doesn't mean there is a conspiacy going on or one meets with evil governmental forces, which are on a witch hunt !
They are all excellent intentions to avoid animals being killed for something stupid !
Let us as collectors not feed "das Gesundes Volksempfinden," / the "healthy feeling of the people" which is utterly subjective and ventilates feelings but does nor reflect the reality of the involved legislation...
and thus refrain from the blame game ! No disrespect to any forum members intended!☼