Musical Instrument Passports.

[Muzikman7]

What do you think about this idea.  http://www.timesunion.com/news/science/article/US-proposes-musical-instrument-passports-4335505.php

[Pilgrim]

I think the intention is good but the execution is improbable.

Situation: Let's say I have a Gibson/Martin/Acme instrument from the 1930's through 1970's with unobtanium inlays or pickguard.

How do I prove what material they are? Where they were sourced from (when I probably don't know)? How do I even know what products might involve me in this issue?

I can't see most musicians knowing enough to take appropriate action, or going to the trouble.

Although the current status is indeed ludicrous and completely unworkable:  "At present, musicians whose instruments contain internationally regulated wildlife products — many of them built long before CITES was established — are supposed to get export permits or certifications from every country they visit."

The good news to me personally is that I don't need to worry about it.  If I travel to another country I'm either working or on holiday, and in neither case am I going to take an instrument along.

[Dave W]

I think the intention is good but the execution is improbable....

Agreed. Damn near impossible in many cases, plus it would add another layer of bureaucracy in every country.

[Pilgrim]

And they're talking about a 3-year passport.  WTF???  It should be permanent. 

[the mojo hobo]

"Delegates attending a global biodiversity conference" just acreams bureaucracy.

It would make more sense to amend the CITES law to exempt personally owned musical instruments.