OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

262812 Michael Filler 2017‑08‑12 Rosewood, et al
Ed is correct about the latin name for the appendix II woods, and also about the
restrictions on ivory in place for many years.  I wish I was into instrument
making so I would have been aware of this ahead of time.  I could have refused
to sell internationally.
BTW, The fellow that made the video in December probably had no problems up
until then was because the effectivity date wasn't until January.  And
enforcement was weak on Braziallian Rosewood, because they were not equipped to
differenciate.  The new rule covers a wide range of woods, so they can just
assume if it looks sort of like rosewood then it is probably prohibited.
I was asked how they discovered this particular package contained rosewood.  It
was something I sold on ebay, and the main picture clearly shows the nice
handles on the side pieces.  I had used the ebay global shipping program, who in
turn contracts with Pitney Bowes as their logistics supplier.  PB probably just
uses the supplied reference number, looks at the item on ebay, and have seen
enough stuff to know what is on the radar.
By the way, my buyer was charged about $140 for the shipping (to Sweden) of
which I got about $15 for me to UPS it to Erlanger, KY (from the Chicago area).
I think that is a bit steep.  I would estimate the USPS International postage at
$40, so PB and ebay split about $85 for logistics services (generating the
customs docs).
Seems overpriced to me.
To their credit ebay refunded the customer's money and told me to keep the
payment, as if the sale had gone as planned.  So technically I and my customer
are "made whole".
It is a shame they can't or won't return the item.  I'll happily refund ebay the
payment, so at least someone in the USA can enjoy it.  The restriction is only
on cross border shipments, not a prohibition on possession.  This an old tool
after all, not a kilo of cocaine.
So again, my point for all of this is just so we are all aware the various
governments are being aggressive on the subject of protected species.
Best regards to all galoots.

Recent Bios FAQ