over seas

[Jesse's Joy]

Hello out there,
I haven't been on line for awhile. Been camping and carving. I really haven't figured out this message board and how to reply and send. Head Bange Head Bange But I do have a question.. I am going to Germany next week via Milan Italy. Can I take cottonwood bark finished wood carvings on my carry on luggage.? Can I bring unfinished (raw) cottonwood bark on my carry on. also somewhat related I have some finished birdhouse gourds I want to take too. all of these are meant for gifts not for sale. Anyone have any ideas or where I can get answers? I do not want them taken from me by security or customs.
Thanks Thank You

[kitaye]

You should be able to call the security office at the airport to ask what they will allow but you might have more trouble on the other end. Several countries do not allow plant products through customs and they may extend that to carved wood and gourds too.

[Kenny_S]

Most countries do not allow bark in to their countries because of diseases and/or bugs that may be in the the bark. Anywya, Australia will not allow bark in to their country. I would agree with Kit to reseach and inquire about the countries you will be going in or through.

[Ron Davidson]

Contact TSA airline security web site. They have a toll free no you can call or you can email questions.

[Kenny_S]

Not a bad Idea Ron, But I believe it is the customs department in each country that dictates what is allowed in or not. The airlines don't care one way or the other. Anyway, that is my understanding. Customs department of the US may be able to tell you what is allowed in to a country. Had problems shipping carvings to Australia.

[Ron Davidson]

Kenny the only reason I said TSA is they have a list of what is acceptable in other countries as well the customs dept also has one. The reason I know is because I was at one time planning a trip to Ireland and they would not allow service dogs until just recently and it was posted through TSA. They have so many restrictions it's real hard to go anywhere. Now if I was going to tarvel abroad with Lou I would have to have a health certificate from the day I was leaving show he was free from rabies, heart worms etc. If not when we got there he would have to stay in quarintin for 30 days. I know wood is different but just an idea.
Ron

[Kenny_S]

Thank you Ron for that bit of info. I know several carriers do not know what is allowed in to different coutries as I have sent through the postal department items which they said was allowed to be held up in customs for months and months. Several did not get to the person I sent it to.
Thanks again Kind sir.

[Mitchell]

Send it ahead via FedEx or Ups.... you can actually send it to a hotel to have it waiting on you when you arrive. IF it gets caught in transit, at least YOU won't get delayed.

[Jesse's Joy]

Kitaye,Ron,Ken Mitchell,
Thanks so much for your info. I will try TSA and maybe the German consolate if they will talk to me.
Thanks so much again

[Kenny_S]

I don't know about any other countries but you have to declare what it is you are shipping wheather it is through Fedex or UPS, they have to go through Customs. Anyway, shipping to Australia that is the norm.