Exporting Of Items.

[Christophe]

Hi Will,

Please, have a look at this thread of the Forum :
http://www.soviet-awards.com/forum/s...countries.html

Maybe some legal measures have been lightened ... But, I don't believe it is the current trend, here, in Russia.

So, beware...

Cheers.

Ch.

[Pravda]

Thanks for the link to the other thread. It was very informative!

Cheers,
Will

[Lapa]

Guys,

Regulation is still the same:
. any state award (medal, order, prize) whether Soviet or Russian Federation is verbotten
. anything mass-produced made more than 50 years ago but less than 100 years ago must get an official authorization from the Ministry of Culture; less than 50 years is OK, older than 100 years, verbotten
. anything made by hand or unique in character must be authorized for export by its author AND get an official authorization from the Ministry of Culture

Marc

[SpaceCadet1983]

My experience is a bit dated (October/November, 1993), but common during that era. The night before we left were told by our friends in Moscow that it was very common to be shaken down by the border guards and customs people at the airport when leaving Russia. Basically, we were at the whims and mercy of whoever was going through our baggage. We were also told they might ask us for Vodka or take all the money on our persons. Needless to say, many of us didn't sleep too well that night! As it turned out it was a bit tense the next day as we went through customs (nobody I know had any contraband), but we survived! When our plane took off you could hear hoots and hollars and clapping from those 62 crazy Americans much to the surprise and amusement of the other passengers! As much as I'd love to go back for an extended visit, my health won't although it, but I'm still interested in hearing about forum members more recent experiences. Thank you!

[Esteban_cool]

When my father worked for the first time in Russia (2002), he traveled everyday from Finland, crossing the border. He said border guards and customs were very friendly, and they never checked his bags or suitcases.

The second time, after the exporting prohibition, he didn´t have any trouble when taking out some medals and badges I asked him to bring to me. The only difficult thing he had was finding them since the militaria stores he visited the first time were selling almost only fake ukrainian stuff .

[Sanzotta]

Realize though that border guards are like anyone else and they will "profile" you when they see you. If they see you everyday at a border crossing they are going to treat you much differently then if you are flying out of Moscow airport and are an obvious tourist. There are only so many places to hide contraband.

I believe the ban also applies to the religious relics, not just orders/medals but I think the export of religious relics has always been a issue. If I am wrong, someone in the know please let ME know.

[Esteban_cool]

Originally Posted by Sanzotta

I believe the ban also applies to the religious relics, not just orders/medals but I think the export of religious relics has always been a issue. If I am wrong, someone in the know please let ME know.

Yup, you´re right. Before the more strict prohibition laws were passed, the export of any art or goods produced before 1945 were forbidden, including religious. There were some items though -icons- that could be taken out under written permission of the ministry of culture.

And BTW my dad never hid nothing. He wasn´t asked to open his bags, that´s all.

[Riley1965]

For those of us living in the USA, it is illegal to purchase Cuban ODMs. With the new President's outreach to the Cuban Government Hopefully this will change. There are several pieces which I would like to have, but the law is the law

Doc

[EricFG]

Really? I did not know that. I know Cuban cigars are not to be had so I guess it's the same with medals. I *did* buy some Cuban cigas when I was in Europe, and they were nice!

[Riley1965]

Hopefully, with the new President the ban on Buying anything Cuban will change. Until then, the purchase of Cuban Medals here in the USA is against the law.

Doc