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Generalkyrgyzstan

9th Mar 2016 09:52 UTCRoman Gramblička Expert

Hi all,

does anybody know, if is it allowed to export minerals from Kyrgyzstan? I´m going to go there for a holiday, we will trek in Tien shan mountains, so it is probable, that I´ll find there some rocks. I´m affraid of possible problems on the aiport with bureau of customs. I wouldn´t be glad to be arrested for smuggling

If someone know, please contact me at gramblicka@sdas.cz

Thanks!

12th Mar 2016 21:45 UTCDimitar Shopov

If you can't find any official information, the best policy is to declare any uncertain items at the customs checkpoint. If you are not allowed to take them, they will simply remove them, or if you have to pay some kind of tariff, they will let you know. Declaring means you are openly asking IF you can take items across the border, which means you avoid any possible smuggling charges.

13th Mar 2016 12:56 UTCJolyon Ralph Founder

I suspect that the rules will be the same as for Russia and Kazakhstan where export of any geological materials is prohibited without a permit (and to get the permit is a HUGE amount of work - involving a museum curator appraising value and saying whether they have any scientific value or not - and then get an appointment and go to a ministry building to get that document approved and stamped - which of course you can only easily do if you're a citizen of that country.)

This is even true for items sold in museum gift shops. Anything that is a mineral specimen cannot be exported without a licence.

One museum in Kazakhstan had an innovative solution when giving gifts to foreign visitors (including me!) and that was the specimens - in this case a dioptase and small chalcopyrite - were permanently mounted to a black shaped rock base:

This was classed as a 'finished item' and not a specimen so is exempt :). So if you really find some good things, get a piece of wood, glue them to it and get a local to write 'Welcome to Kyrgyzstan' on it and you should be good :)

However, in both countries I have 'tried my luck' in taking one or two things out in my hand carry or coat pockets and had no problems - but I only took things that I wouldn't be devastated to have lost. For more serious pieces I simply left them with friends in country who brought them with them to Tucson or Munich where I picked them up.

Jolyon

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