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The export of specific Inuit sculpture from Canada to other parts of the planet like the United States does have some restrictions. In order to reduce 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 specific section (101) of the act was created to exclude Eskimo Inuit and other aboriginals living in the state of Alaska. Section 101 allowed Alaskan Natives to continue their traditions of hunting marine mammals for food and using parts of such animals as raw components in the producing of clothes, crafts and artwork.

The act makes it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outside the United States. Consequently, American citizens would not be allowed to buy 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 enables American citizens to buy similar artwork from Alaska because it is part of the United States. The export of such artwork created from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not permitted.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (both thought of ivory) are restricted from import and export. However, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is allowed given that caribou is not a marine mammal and consequently does not fall under this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will depend on each certain country as each has its personal certain regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal items can be extremely severe.

Fortunately, other forms of Inuit art such as stone or antler carvings and prints are not only capable to be exported across the border, but are truly duty free of charge. import export careers the guide to the import export business import export directory review