You will be dealing with US Customs - there should be no problem as they are
more interested in other things.   You don't want to bring back a green tree
snail or a giant clam OR coral, but for the rest it should be no problem.

Tom E.

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Dale Snyder" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 3:23 PM
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: [CONCH-L] Auctions

> The timing of this comment is perfect for me. I'll be visiting the coast
> of Norway in October, and was hoping to find a few common shells on the
> shore, or perhaps connect with someone there who might want to trade
> something common but pretty, for something common but pretty from my
> collection. I was wondering whether or not I'd have any problems either
> taking or bringing back a small number of shells in my luggage.  Does
> anyone have more information on this for me?
>
>
> ---- Thomas Eichhorst <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> =============
> I can get or send a small box of shells for about $2 within the states.
> That seems pretty cheap.  A friend and I double up on the overseas auction
> orders, having all of the shells sent to just one of us.  Then they are
> split and and the one who got the total order sends the correct shells on
> to the other person.  Saves on overseas costs.  The horror stories about
> imported shells sometimes being stopped and tagged with a hefty inspection
> fee are only too true.  Customs doesn't really care about shells, but Fish
> & Wildlife does.  I had to pay a $25 "inspection" fee for a $10 box of
> shells a few years ago.   Oh, and you do not have the option of saying,
> "Keep the shells!"  The bill shows up separately in the mail and comes
> complete with lots of federal paperwork with typical threats for
> non-payment.
>
> Tom E
>
>
> From: Samuel S. Tuttle
> Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 5:39 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] Auctions
>
>
> I stopped trading because the postage costs kept climbing.  Except for
> rare shells, you could buy most of the specimens at a shop for less than
> the postage around the world.  Also, any shipments from outside the U.S.
> appear to be at risk from Fish & Wildlife inspectors (or other government
> agencies), some rumors of a $50.00 permit for each order, the requirement
> for one to be a dealer, etc..  Some countries are now restricting or
> prohibiting the export of seashells.
>
> Trading inside the U.S. would still be fun if it weren't for the postage.
> Perhaps the local Shell Clubs could promote the activity en masse?
>
> Sam Tuttle
> Delaware
>
> www.streetsmartbooks.com
> Home of SMALL BUSINESS PRIMER: How to Buy, Sell & Evaluate a Business
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
> (Snip)
>
> > Whatever happened to trading between collectors? T
>
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