Saturday, November 5, 2011

Do Not Get Fooled When Shopping Overseas!

Được đăng bởi Travel - Leisure
By Clifford Gill


Wildlife Souvenirs

Here are a few words of warning should you want to bring home a live pet or buy any other souvenir crafted from wild animals or plants. Some items, such as those made from elephant ivory, sea turtles, crocodile leather, or fur from endangered cats, and many species of live animals cannot be brought legally into the United States. This is a very serious crime that would not only leave you bereft of the wildlife items you purchased overseas, but also have you facing sanctions levied upon by government authorities. Do not buy wildlife or wildlife products unless you are certain that they are legal for import into the United States.

Dangers of Importing Glazed Ceramics

Purchasing glazed ceramic ware overseas can be potentially dangerous. Should you imbibe food and drink stored or served in shoddy glazed ceramics, you run the risk of contracting lead poisoning. There is no hard, fast rule that would help you determine whether these items are safe or not, but normally they would be if they are manufactured by an internationally renowned company. Either use the ceramics you purchase as decorative ornaments, or make sure you have them tested at a commercial laboratory for lead release - no less than the U.S. FDA recommends following this important safety measure.

A Warning on Antiques

When buying antiques abroad, you have to be careful as some countries regard antiques as a national treasure not to be tampered with. This would include illegally purchasing antiques, and these fine products may be confiscated from your possession as the minimum punishment - in many cases you may be slapped with a generous fine. Purchasing antiques may seem like an ordinary tourist activity, but bear in mind that many an American has been arrested and prosecuted for not having a permit in hand. Americans have even been arrested for purchasing reproductions of antiques from street vendors because a local authority believed the purchase was a national treasure.

For a quick last word, we ask all of you to know your rights. Know the procedures you have to follow to ensure that you are purchasing antiques without a legal hitch, and secure all necessary permits. The documentation or export permit may be available through the country's national museum. A reputable dealer may provide the export permit or information on how to secure one. A specific country's tourist office will always be a repository of information with regards to the do's and don'ts of purchasing antiques. And when all else fails, the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate should have the answers for you in their Consular Section. In places where Americans have had problems because of purchasing antiques, the Consular Section is usually well aware of such situations. Consular officers can inform you about the local laws and the correct procedures to follow.




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