Traveling with a musical instrument may be complicated if your trip involves crossing international borders. Especially in the event that your musical instruments contains protected species, such as ivory, rosewood, tortoiseshell, whalebone. 

If your instrument contains parts of species that are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), your trip requires in-depth preparation. The aim of this guide is to provide hands-on information to musicians, music ensembles, groups and orchestras on how to apply for CITES certificates such as the musical instrument certificate (MIC) before going on tour.

The 2021 guide updates the reader on latest rules to take into account, following Brexit and new CITES requirements.

Crossing Borders is a joint publication by Pearle* and the  International Federation of Musicians (FIM).