[NHCOLL-L:762] Re: import and export of fossils from argentina

[Boylan P]

My understanding is that fossils are treated under Chinese law as
"cultural property", and therefore can only be exported under very
exceptional circumstances, and with special government approval.  Actual
or even attempted smuggling attracts the DEATH PENALTY or a very long
prison sentence.  The best advice would be to seek the assistance of the
National Museum of Natural History (or a major regional palaeontological
museum) to see if they can assist (e.g. by means of a government-
authorised exchange or export for research purposes).

I think that Argentina also has pretty tough export controls, but stops
short of the bullet in the back of the skull...  

Again, loans or exchanges with a major museum would be the best starting
point.  For dinosaurs, I would start by contacting the University Museum
of Natural History at La Plata (Buenos Aires Province).


Patrick Boylan


=============================================


On Tue, 24 Oct 2000, Vicki Gambill wrote:

> Hello.  I am the new Chief Registrar at the Natural History Museum of
> Los Angeles.  We are working on an upcoming exhibition that will include
> dinosaur fossils from Argentina and China.  I am working with
> Masterpiece International and Del miro Mendez in Buenos Aires for the
> Argentina shipment.  Has anyone shipped fossils from Argentina
> recently?  What special documents are required?
> 
> Also, we will be shipping from China.  Has anyone had recent experience
> with China?  Regulations change often and I just want to make sure
> everything is done according to proper procedure.