Travel documents

Wilder & Davis will be happy to provide any musician with a document that lists all the natural materials found in their instrument or bow upon request.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Some species of wildlife can be legally traded, but many require permits to cross international borders. Over 5,000 animal species, subspecies and populations and over 29,000 plant species, subspecies and populations are listed under CITES.

Natural Materials Documentation for Instruments and Bows

Certain materials found on instruments and bows including ivory, tortoiseshell, whalebone, pernambuco, rosewood and mother-of-pearl derive from species that have been listed. Normally this does not pose a problem for musicians crossing international frontiers because of the age of their instruments and the small amount of material involved. Nevertheless, we recommend musicians travel with a ‘Materials Identification’ document that itemizes all of the natural materials found on their instrument and bow as well as species (scientific names) and where applicable, CITES status. A materials document demonstrates goodwill on the part of the musician and expedites the work of the border agents enforcing CITES regulations. Given reasonable notice Wilder & Davis is happy to provide such documentation before individual musicians or ensembles depart on tour.