HedwigWiser68

The export of particular Inuit sculpture from Canada to other parts of the world including 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 special section (101) of the act was developed 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 utilizing parts of such animals as raw supplies in the generating of clothes, crafts and artwork.

The act tends to make it illegal for American citizens to import any ivory or whalebone from outside the United States. Consequently, American citizens would not be permitted to purchase 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 obtain related artwork from Alaska considering that it is part of the United States. The export of such artwork created from marine mammals from the United States to Canada is not allowed.

Inuit sculpture containing whalebone, walrus or narwal tusks (each considered ivory) are restricted from import and export. Nevertheless, Inuit sculpture containing caribou antler is permitted since caribou is not a marine mammal and for that reason does not fall under this act.

Exporting Inuit sculpture containing whalebone or ivory from Canada to other international destinations will rely on each certain country as every has its personal precise regulations. Fines or penalties for importing or exporting illegal things can be very serious.

Luckily, other forms of Inuit art such as stone or antler carvings and prints are not only in a position to be exported across the border, but are actually duty free. import export careers import export business for sale business import export