Export and Import of Inuit Eskimo Art Sculpture

The export of certain Inuit sculpture from Canada to other components of the planet including the United States discount import export books does have some restrictions. In order to minimize harvesting of marine animals such as whales and walruses, the United States Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972. It was later modified in 1981 and a particular section (101) of the act was created to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 permitted Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of such animals as raw supplies in the making of clothing, crafts and artwork.

The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outside the United States. Therefore, American citizens would not be permitted to buy any artwork containing ivory or whalebone from Canada and have it brought or shipped back to the United States. Even so, the act as it stands permits American citizens to obtain comparable artwork from Alaska given that it is portion of the United States. The export of such artwork developed from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not permitted.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (each regarded as ivory) are restricted from import and export. Even so, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed considering that caribou is not a marine mammal and as a result does not fall under this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will rely on every certain nation as each has its personal investigate export business plan precise regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal items can be quite serious.

Fortunately, other forms of Inuit art such as stone or antler carvings my import export book and prints are not only capable to be exported across the border, but are actually duty free.