Buying fur in Europe

[scaredeycat]

Does anyone know how strict customs are with regard to fur bought as a gift? I'm thinking of buying a fox fur from Finland (try saying that when you're drunk!). Should I anticipate any problems? Must it be declared?
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Hvr]

Yes it must be declared, Q8 reads in part: Animals, parts of animals...

Might also help to have a purchase receipt to show you've got it from a reputable store.

 

[Sprucegoose]

furs are so 1980's...good luck!

 

[RooFlyer]

furs are so 1980's...good luck!

Possibly more like so 1920s.

But the missus loves a nice mink and loves it even better when some one makes a critical comment about her wearing same. I've learned a whole new put-down lexicon!

Scaredycat: Definitely buy from reputable supplier, and would be a good idea to be able to show evidence that its been farmed etc (web site print out should be sufficient).

p.s. As you are from Tassie, ask DPIPWE about buying a local fox fur :mrgreen:

 

[scaredeycat]

Thank you for all of the advice. Looks like I'll be bringing home chocolates...

 

[Deleted member]

Mrs GPH bought a Reindeer skin last year from Finland. Had no issues bringing it in to Oz.
as for buying a Fur Coat. We looked at bringing in a silver fox fur quite a few years back when we were in Alaska.
You are not likely to be well treated wearing fur in Australia.
Ps. The reindeer skin was NOT expensive either.
Bear in mind they will shed , so not ideal as a rug. Better ad a wall hanging.

 

[RooFlyer]

Thank you for all of the advice. Looks like I'll be bringing home chocolates...

Actually I should back-track a bit. You said fox, I said mink and my thoughts side-tracked to that. You would have to declare of course but I don't think there is as much international care about fox than the more exotic species.

 

[Hvr]

<snip>
You are not likely to be well treated wearing fur in Australia.

And yet it is absolutely essential in bitterly cold countries. I remember when I was in China a few years ago, in Beijing it was minus 10 and in Harbin minus 25. Fur was essential for warmth.

I purchased a huge big coat (which I still have) very cheaply at a Beijing market. It had fur trim around the hood. I declared it on return to Australia and the Customs officer cleared it very quickly.

I don't know what type of animal provided the fur and since it came from China I am almost afraid to ask.

 

[drron]

Unfortunately fox furs have also declined markedly since the anti fur campaign.The result is foxes are increasing in numbers adding to the decimation of smaller native animals.
We have even had a fox on our patio on suburban Sunshine Coast.