I just succeeded in importing from Europe an antique mandolin with tortoise shell on the pick guard, headstock, and neck. After I agreed to buy it I was informed it had "turtle" on it. I did a lot of research, contacted an import broker who was extremely helpful in providing information, and was able to rather easily import it with a CITES certificate.
What I learned is that 1) there is an exemption on antique instruments with tortoise shell and ivory, but a CITES exporter certificate is needed. 2) When importing for personal, non-commercial use, I don't have to use an import broker. 3) I used FedEx's very expensive 2-day service, and although there were hiccups and persistent phone calls needed, I was able to get the mandolin safely delivered in one week. I had to fill out an additional customs form once the mandolin was in the US as well as a declaration about the wood being non-toxic (required at the discretion of the FedEx import agent), but otherwise no import taxes, duties, fees, agents/brokers were needed.
The moral of the story is that it seems it IS possible to import pre-convention, CITES-protected, antique musical instruments into the US with a CITES certificate obtained by the exporter. Perhaps I was just lucky, but it wasn't as much of a headache as I anticipated.
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