Re: International Mailing of Fossils for Trades (posted for A.Dalby)

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From: adalby@ccs.carleton.ca (Andrew Dalby)
Subject: Re: International Mailing of Fossils for Trades
To: paleonet-owner@nhm.ac.uk
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 95 10:31:55 EST
Status: O

gar@eznet.net writes:
>
>
> First, let me introduce myself.  My name is Gary...
> ...I would also like to know if any of you have had any experience
> in mailing fossils internationally.  I have the feeling that
> there may be some restrictions or procedures that I should know
> about.  I am also not certain if there are any customs issues
> concerned with mailing fossils for trade.  Please let me know if
> you have any opinions or suggestions on this topic.
>
> Thanks for your replies.  I look forward to interacting with this group.
>
> Gary
>


Gary,
        I cannot help you out with the plant fossils, but I do know
about some of the customs restrictions, at least as they apply to
Canada.  My guess is that the regulations will be similar elsewhere.
Rock samples can be mailed across the border without problems.
Customs care if there is a biological element in your package.  People
who want to transport soil samples run into this, so they generally
write "weathered rock" or "crushed rock" on the package, which is
kinda the truth.  Avoid fruit flies and other pests and you're fine.
Since you're going to be dealing with Devonian samples, you have
little to worry about, however, if you're getting into the Quaternary,
remember: "weathered rock"