When it comes to travelling with musical instruments on airplanes, Pearle* provides guidance for musicians and touring groups on terms and conditions of European airline companies, related to the carrying of musical instruments on airplanes.

Musical instruments might contain parts of species that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), such as ivory, rosewood or tortoiseshell. When travelling with these instruments, a musical instrument certificate (MIC) or a travelling exhibition certificate (TEC) might be required.

Travelling without valid certificates when crossing international borders is risky, as customs control the movement of CITES protected material and could seize the instruments or delay travelling schedules.

Over the past years, Pearle* has been working closely with partners in the music sector, including instrument makers and the League of American orchestras to find workable solutions for touring musicians, music groups and ensembles.

Together with FIM, Pearle set up a website dedicated to travelling with CITES protected species, where orchestras and musicians find a practical way through the jungle of application for a CITES certificate and can consult the handbook “Crossing borders”.