Does anyone have any experience bringing decorative ostrich eggs or wooden carvings into the States? Lots of native handiwork is in the Out of Africa store in JoBurg and numerous shops in Harare, Bulawayo, and Lusaka but have never wanted until now to bring something back. Trying to read all of the Customs regulations is a challenge unto itself, so I thought I'd try to get a little feedback. Thanks!

We brought back 4 iron wood carvings and a couple stone animals with no issues

Hi Gene. When Jim and I were coming back from hunting with Lin we stopped and each purchased an ostrich egg at the J'burg airport. We had no problems at all bringing it back into the US. We each selected an egg adorned with a beautiful leopard. So I did bring a leopard home from Zimbabwe.

Yes, they do have some pretty cool decorative eggs. And Lindon has probably started fattening up another big cat for you to give it another try. I hope you do go back again, he's got an incredible area for monster leopard.

I carried a wooden elephant stool and some grass baskets home, purchased in a Zim campfire area. I included them on the form and US customs had zero interest. Atlanta only cared about the gun.

I thought the grass baskets would be a problem.

I have never had any problem with any of that. If it appears to be "worked," as opposed to a vial of dirt or a seed pod, you should have nothing to worry about.

You won't have any issues.

Never a problem

Thanks, guys. Off with the wife in a few days to Royal Kafue. Her 1st Africa trip, so it will be the obligatory souvenir shopping on the way back.

You can likely get one for less at one of the roadside markets. We did six years ago and it wasn't a problem at all. I'm sure Andrew will steer you to the right place.

I have brought back an Egg given me by a PH friend and over the years quite a few Ironwood carvings of animals with no problems at all. I have brought back 2 pair of Courtney elephant hide boots but on advice of the man who sold them to me I should wear them back on the plane. Which is what I did and after the typical boot washing and rifle checking at Atlanta the inspector told me ' Have a nice day and those are really nice Elephant hide boots, they look comfortable'. I don't think we fool an experienced customs inspector very easily.

Spend away! I did. No problems at all.

Did they lift the restrictions on eggs? Last year we couldn't bring them in the us. Hope so I have a friend that wants me to pick them up one this year.

When did they lift the restrictions on eggs.

in 2012 they were taking the O. eggs at Dulles plus other items that did not meet standards. Went through all my bags to check for contraband and sprayed all my shoes with something.

I tried to get the paperwork to bring some back from Zimbabwe however we could not get an permit to do so. Worked on this for over a year well into June of 2013, as that is when my trophy's were being shipped.

I went through the F&G and agriculture department however they would not sign off on a permit to bring in 6 eggs. They wanted to know exact number of eggs and the design on them is painted or carved.

Not sure why there would be a problem with eggs.
We brought them out of Namibia in 09 & 10 with no questions ask.
They sell them at the DSC conv. every year & I'm quite sure they do the same at the SCI conv. as well. If you have problems, just purchase them there.

They discovered bird flu in some that's why they banned them from coming in the USA.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:
They discovered bird flu in some that's why they banned them from coming in the USA.

You've got to be kidding me.

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:
They discovered bird flu in some that's why they banned them from coming in the USA.

You've got to be kidding me.

Wish I was, they still try and spray your boots cause there worried about mad cow disease.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:
They discovered bird flu in some that's why they banned them from coming in the USA.

You've got to be kidding me.

Wish I was, they still try and spray your boots cause there worried about mad cow disease.

I've actually appreciated the boot cleaning. You don't even have to tip them.

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:

quote:

Originally posted by DCS Member:

quote:

Originally posted by Brian Clark:
They discovered bird flu in some that's why they banned them from coming in the USA.

You've got to be kidding me.

Wish I was, they still try and spray your boots cause there worried about mad cow disease.

I thought it was to kill the virus that is known to cause hoof and mouth

you are right. mad cow disease( BSE) is a central nervous system disease like rabies and the mode of transmission is NOT via feces/mud on your boots. hoof and mouth disease is transmitted via that route, hence the boot cleaning( which in itself is a joke, considering how cursory it is).