Travel documents

Wilder & Davis will be happy to provide any musician or ensemble who requests it with a document that lists all the natural materials found in their instrument and bow.

CITES

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement that aims to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not harm their conservation. So while it is legal to trade in some wild species, many others require a permit to cross the border. More than 5,000 species of animals, subspecies and their populations and more than 29,000 species of plants, subspecies and their populations are listed under CITES.

Document relating to natural materials found in instruments and bows

Ivory, tortoiseshell, whalebone, mother-of-pearl, rosewood and pernambuco wood, which are used in the manufacture of bows and instruments, are on the lists of targeted species. Although musicians generally cross borders without problems, given the age of their instrument and bow and the minimal quantity involved, we recommend that they travel with a document of " material identification » that lists all natural materials found in their instrument and bow, including species (scientific names) and their CITES status, if applicable. Such a document demonstrates goodwill on the part of the musician and expedites the work of customs officials assigned to enforce CITES regulations. With reasonable notice, Wilder & Davis will be happy to provide any musician or ensemble who requests it in advance of their trip with the document in question.