CONCORD, N.H. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing its rules about ivory imports after two teenage bagpipers from New Hampshire had their instruments seized at the Canadian border.

A spokesman for the service said Friday they recognize musicians have unique circumstances.

The discord started Sunday when Campbell Webster and Eryk Bean were driving back from Canada after a competition that served as a tuneup for next weekend’s World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

Because they crossed at Highgate Springs, Vermont, a “non-designated” crossing, they needed extra permits and inspection fees totaling $576. They didn’t have the paperwork and the pipes were confiscated.

There are no “designated” land crossings in the Northeast; the nearest designated crossing is Boston’s Logan Airport

The boys eventually got their instruments back.


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