Buying Teak in Thailand and bringing it into UK

[Rafiki]

I want to replace some teak (toe rails I think they are called) If I bought suitable pieces of teak circa 28mmx 36mm x 1.9m times 8, would I legally be able to simply bring it through LHR as part of my luggage. Wrapped in Bubble wrap or similiar it certainly wouldn't be too big to check in but can I import teak?

 

[Bobobolinsky]

Dunno about teak, but mahogany is definitely illegal. I think Border Agency might treat you like a bush meat importer. Some teak here is now fetching £20K a cu.mtr. Since my timber importer can get hold of it, it must still be legal, just expensive. I just use Iroko now because it's cheaper and more available. For teak in UK try Holmes Timber Lincoln, I've bought salvage timber off them before

 

[chinita]

I want to replace some teak (toe rails I think they are called) If I bought suitable pieces of teak circa 28mmx 36mm x 1.9m times 8, would I legally be able to simply bring it through LHR as part of my luggage. Wrapped in Bubble wrap or similiar it certainly wouldn't be too big to check in but can I import teak?

Bung 'em in a ski bag and tell Customs you are just returning from the Winter Olympics in Bangkok; if they query it just say 'Bloody Chinese Skis - I have been had!!

 

[greenalien]

Why not give Customs and Excise a ring and ask them?

 

[pyrojames]

I brought in some timber from Australia without problems. A few raised eyebrows but that was all.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Teak (Tectona grandis) is not on the CITES list, so it should be OK to import it. However, African Teak (Pericopsis elata) is on the CITES list, and so import is prohibited without a license.

I think I'd ask the question "How sure am I that I can convince an enquiring Customs person that this is Tectona grandis and not Pericopsis elata?"

I'd guess they are very similar in superficial appearance!

Quite a lot of tropical hardwoods are on the CITES list, so importing/exporting hardwoods - which tend to be difficult to identify with certainty - is probably a high risk business. All CITES listed species are subject to at the very least import/export licensing.

 

[Seakindly]

Axe Man

I see there's a similar problem in the States regarding guitars of all things including the Feds raiding Gibson Guitars. It's said that bands are having to have their 'Axes' checked out before they cross state borders incase they contain prohibited rare woods and therefor confiscated. . . .

 

[Rafiki]

Thanks guys, soem good advice here. I will check with customs, then give it a try providing costs make sense.

Regards