Many musicians have instruments containing ivory or other endangered species material—which makes travel potentially perplexing. If your instrument contains ivory, Brazilian rosewood, tortoiseshell, or another endangered species, you will need documentation before crossing international borders. Please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for information before traveling.

Please note U.S. federal regulations may impact instrument sales so review the guidelines if you are planning on buying or selling an instrument that may contain ivory or endangered species material.

Bows Made With Pernambuco. You do not need documentation to travel with bows containing pernambuco wood as long as these instruments do not also contain ivory or other endangered species material. This U.S. Department of the Interior letter details that finished bows made of pernambuco wood do not require documentation. Please bookmark or print this letter to make traveling easier.