Reply With QuoteI wouldn't do it. Products made from the skin of most alligators and crocodiles are banned and you have to declare animal products on arrival.
I searched for the answer to this but found only one thread which was a little inconclusive, hence this question.
When I travel anywhere I like to take three or four watches with me for variety, depending on the length of the stay. I am shortly travelling to the States and was wondering if I'm likely to encounter any problems at customs if I take watches with croco straps? Has anyone had first hand experience they could share please?
I wouldn't do it. Products made from the skin of most alligators and crocodiles are banned and you have to declare animal products on arrival.
OK, that's good enough for me. Thanks for the advice.Originally Posted by Mr Curta
Ian
Resident 'Perlon Bore' pops up to say buy a selection of Eulits - great holiday straps - light, comfy, perfect fit, indestructible and can be washed under a tap and dried in minutes.
Resident 'Perlon Bore' pops up to say buy a selection of Eulits - great holiday straps - light, comfy, perfect fit, indestructible and can be washed under a tap and dried in minutes.
hold the front page: watch nerd in rare case of self awareness SHOCKA!
Thank goodness I'm not as predictable with my pictures
I had no idea about that. What happens to watches that are mounted to exotic straps at time and point of manufacture then?
Are they put onto calf specifically for the American market ?
Googling it:
http://grail-watch.com/2014/12/16/am...straps-europe/
how correct is this?
I had no idea.
Im off to Barbados soon. Would I have trouble if I wore my IWC on an Alligator strap?
It's an animal product, so you need a permit.
http://www.agriculture.gov.bb/agri/i...=71&Itemid=101
I've had some issues with cross border imports/exports, but never with a watch I'm wearing or carrying. Mostly ostrich IIRC
I've worn mine many times to states and never had a problem.
The restriction is against importing.
I doubt if it would apply to travelers whoncarry goods for personal use during their stay.
You can wear your Rolex to US, you will not be stopped.
what the…
according to this I should declare leather shoes, belt and a hat? Even leather tag on my jeans?
I doubt :)
Indeed, however you have to tick 'Yes' or 'No' on the customs form animal produce line regardless of whether it is being imported or not. Wouldn't worry about regular leather but reptile skins are covered by CITES. Personal choice, I wouldn't want to fib on the customs form or risk having it confiscated by declaring it.
--Edit to add --
Well, that's the exact wording but it does refer to 'products derived from exotic animals (certain species of birds and reptiles)'. Again it is really regarding import but you have to complete a customs form regardless.
Last edited by Mr Curta; 22nd April 2017 at 18:23.
Croc grain imprinted cow leather innit....
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...SHMzcGtMZ24%3D
http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/...form-6059b.pdf
The question on form relates to animal products,not Alligator or other exotic skins.
If you are pedant, you would have to say yes even if you are wearing a leather trouser belt.
Hope this settles the discussion.
Some hope Raj......
Or wallet...
Some may have to declare their leather thongs too.
I bow to your superior knowledge of the subject, I thought that 'animal product' included creatures covered by CITES. Obviously declaring leather shoes or a bag of Haribo will garner nothing more than a wry smile from a customs official whilst raw meat or a banana is likely to result in a long delay but banned reptile skin is a grey area to me. My attitude is 'if in doubt, leave it out', I'd rather be getting on with my holiday.
Some hope Raj......
Think I'll go with that policy on this one.
Never crossed my mind as a consideration. Chances are it would be fine and controls more centred on importing, but still why risk it.
Would you take your Rolex?
The point is- Certain articles are prohibited based on safety concerns and some based on trade
Treaties/regulations. A traveler carrying a crocodile strap or belt doesn't fall in either categories.
Last edited by RAJEN; 22nd April 2017 at 20:00.
I guess it's more about it seemingly being classed as an Exotic Skin and some countries seem to have greater sensitivity to its use than others.
I'd not worry about wearing a Rolex if I had one. Having a clearly in use watch, with no packaging, papers etc with you is evidence enough you're not an importer I'd think.
Likely neither would be of any consequence I guess.
Are alligators exotic to a country where they're indigenous?
Sent from my iPhone using TZ-UK mobile app
Are these animals really endangered?
Seems US golf courses are teeming with alligators and Iceland sells crocodile burgers.
I routinely take one or two watches with croc or gator straps with me when I travel internationally from the US. It's a non-issue. When I return home, customs agents don't perform "strap checks", any more than they question what materials my shoes, belt or wallet are made from.
Today I got a second alligator strap for my IWC. I'd not be comfortable having anything made from one if they truly were endangered. I certainly hadn't and don't currently consider them to be.
Do not worry about small leather goods, it's a non issue.
Thanks for all your replies and interesting comments!
Ian
Endangered ??
When I was in Florida a few years ago they were farming 'gators
for meat and leather products.
I travel to the US a couple of times a year and wouldn't give a moment's thought to a croc or 'gator strap on my wrist or on a watch in my luggage.
How many thousands do you think pass through US airports in similar circumstances every day?
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