The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #153266   Message #3588041
Posted By: GUEST,Peter Laban
01-Jan-14 - 05:07 AM
Thread Name: Instruments destroyed at JFK customs
Subject: RE: Instruments destroyed at JFK customs
Pianos with ivory keys ... even if owned and played by Chopin ... cannot enter the USA.

I think you'll find there's an age clause in CITES. Ivory items produced before a certain date are exempt. So a piano owned by Chopin would have no problem, if accompanied by the appropriate paperwork.

People travel with antique instruments all the time.