CONTACT:
Chris Andrews (907)271-6456
Thanks to a joint effort by the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a new publication called "A Customs Guide to Alaska Native Arts" makes it easy to find the export information that international visitors need when buying artwork. "Returning home with traditional Alaska Native art is an important part of an Alaska visit for many people," said DCED Commissioner Debby Sedwick. "As some of the materials used in traditional Native art come from protected species, a variety of laws apply to purchases by international visitors. With this publication, shopkeepers can help their customers streamline the process of taking their art purchases home."
The Guide summarizes export information for sixteen countries and for nearly forty species. The easy-to-use format clearly identifies items for which paperwork is required, and items that are not legal to export. Information in the Guide applies only to materials used in Alaska Native arts that will leave the United States as personal baggage. "We still encourage the public to call us with any questions, particularly if they decide to mail a questionable purchase rather than hand-carry it home," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Inspector Chris Andrews.
Free copies of the Guide will be sent to gift shops, galleries, culture centers, and artists around the state. To receive a copy, contact Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development at 269-4527 or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 271-6456. The Customs Guide to Alaska Native Arts is also available on the Internet at
