Dream Street Marketing

One of the things I love best about traveling is souvenirs.  I discovered on my first international trip last year that there are a lot of governmental regulations regarding what can be brought back into the United States in your luggage.  Check the U. S. Customs official website before your trip!  There are special rules for products related in any way to wildlife, particularly endangered species.  Usually either foreign or domestic law will prohibit import or export of these items, and you risk a fine and confiscation if you attempt to do so.  Prohibited goods include all products made from sea turtles; most types of coral, whether mounted in jewelry or loose; most crocodile or caiman leather; furs from spotted cats or marine mammals; feathers and feather products from wild birds; and all ivory, including rhinoceros tusks as well as those of Asian and African elephants. 

There is one notable exception, most frequently involving the import of ivory.  Ivory may be imported into the United States if you can prove it is an antique at least 100 years old.  You will need documentation to authenticate the item.  Other antiques containing any wildlife products will have similar requirements to prove their age before being approved for U. S. import, and other requirements for antiques may apply as well.  For specific guidelines and the most current regulations, contact the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.