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The export of specific Inuit sculpture from Canada to other parts of the world which includes the United States does have some restrictions. In order to decrease 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 developed 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 utilizing parts of such animals as raw materials in the generating of clothes, crafts and artwork.

The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outdoors the United States. For that reason, American citizens would not be permitted to acquire any artwork containing ivory or whalebone from Canada and have it brought or shipped back to the United States. However, the act as it stands makes it possible for American citizens to buy equivalent artwork from Alaska given that it is portion of the United States. The export of such artwork produced from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not permitted.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (each deemed ivory) are restricted from import and export. However, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed considering that caribou is not a marine mammal and for that reason does not fall below this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will depend on every precise nation as each has its personal precise regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal items can be really extreme.

Fortunately, other types of Inuit art such as stone or antler carvings and prints are not only capable to be exported across the border, but are actually duty cost-free. import export careers the guide to import export entrepreneur click for import export data