I had two experiences about ten years ago in transporting ivory out of
the country. The laws may have changed by now but as of that time I
had to contact the department of the interior for the proper forms.
The forms were to show that the piano ivory was fifty years old or
more. Proving the pianos age was enough for customs. They did not take
into account that a very old piano could have had new ivories
installed after date of manufacture.

After about three months to process the paper work and little expense
the pianos were then allowed to leave the country. One piano went to
Japan where it was the buyer's responsibility to clear all the paper
work for importing of ivory. One of the pianos went to Canada which
at the time allowed ivory to be brought in without any paperwork but
did due to laws in our country you were then not allowed to bring the
piano back in. It was essential for me to hire a customs broker in
order to weed through all the regulations. I don't remember the cost
but I think they charge on a commission basis.

I don't want to see elephants killed for their tusks but it's too bad
that we can't put to use ivory from an elephant who lives out his life
on a preserve and then dies from old age.

Paul Manganaro