export laws

icefisher01 · #1 05-09-2008, 04:48 PM

question: we were flying out of the Punta Cana airport yesterday going to Miami. The DR airport security searched our luggage and I had a empty clear bottle of the mamajawanna sticks/leaves which as most of you know is probally the most common suvouniior (sp) in DR. well, security took the bottle and said I couldn't take it and they threw it in a trash barrel.

While waiting for our flight I looked in the airport gift shop, and guess what? The airport sells the EXACT same bottle!!!!! I asked the workers why can they sell the same exact thing that they won't let me take??? THey shook their heads and didnt know...
again, it was the SAME EXACT ITEM!!!!!!!

I feel like this is a big scam by the DR goverment! Can someone explain how they can get away with this?

Tamborista · #2 05-09-2008, 04:56 PM

It is considered agriculture, and "might" be confiscated by US customs. It is not illegal to leave the DR with it, it is illegal to import. If it has the liquid in it, it is not considered agriculture. Simply put it in your checked luggage next time between some smelly socks, and Dominican customs will probably not wanna touch it!

tambo'

bronxboyatheart · #3 05-09-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamborista

It is considered agriculture, and "might" be confiscated by US customs. It is not illegal to leave the DR with it, it is illegal to import. If it has the liquid in it, it is not considered agriculture. Simply put it in your checked luggage next time between some smelly socks, and Dominican customs will probably not wanna touch it!

tambo'

Yeah, but why can you buy it in the stores (dry) once you pass security?

Tamborista · #4 05-09-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronxboyatheart

Yeah, but why can you buy it in the stores (dry) once you pass security?

I hate when it gets dry!

Keith R · #5 05-09-2008, 05:01 PM

Tambo's right. That's the essential difference between what you had on-hand and what they were seeling in the airport store -- one was liquid filled, the other not. Probably if they see empty bottle full of dry plant matter, they're told to assume the worst -- that's something illegal or agriculturally undesirable that ust stay dry is hidden amongst the twigs and leaves...

On the other hand, it could simply be security people being random as they sometimes are...

adrianb · #6 05-09-2008, 05:07 PM

I think the alcohol kills the germs in the twigs & leaves, etc. No idea why you can buy a dry bottle inside, perhaps its undergone some kind of purification?

Tamborista · #7 05-09-2008, 05:11 PM

They sell both dry and wet Mamajuana in the Du-Free shops.
You "may" have a hard time in US Customs with the dry one if they find it.
Buy a dry one, and fill it with Rum in the airport!
As Keith mentioned, Dominican Customs is not consistant.

tambo'

laurapasinifan · #8 05-09-2008, 06:07 PM

the whole point is the restrioctions on liguids and or bottles.

I think the limit of anything YOU bring into the airport is 3 oz

you are allowed to BUY after airport security almost any size that is sold in the duty free shop...

I have seen TSA take a 4 oz bottle of liguid out of someones carry on...then on the same flight i saw SEVERAL dominicans buy the 3 FOOT TALL bottles of Chivas Regal!!!!! and bring them on the plane!

how and why?

because it came from DUTY free, and they are blessed

If someone tries to take your cologne or perfume at the AIRPORT...turn the bottle over and I bet it reads less than 3 oz of liguid.. and tell them to pound sand

they tries that with me at STI......I told them forget it..it is 2.7 oz.

I had a guy want to hand search me at STI after I went through the metal detectors clean .

I am almost sure he said "cincuenta".....I put up a fuss...one reason was because the plane was supposed to leave in 30 minutes and i had JUST got through the xray machine and there was still 50 people behind me. They had four lines feeding TWO immigracion agents!!!

usually STI has been good.

bob

laurapasinifan · #9 05-09-2008, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith R

Tambo's right. That's the essential difference between what you had on-hand and what they were seeling in the airport store -- one was liquid filled, the other not. Probably if they see empty bottle full of dry plant matter, they're told to assume the worst -- that's something illegal or agriculturally undesirable that ust stay dry is hidden amongst the twigs and leaves...

On the other hand, it could simply be security people being random as they sometimes are...

Kieth, I think the OP said they DID have a clear EMPTY bottle with leaves and sticks in it.....ie..NO LIQUID

it might be the container size
if you have an almost empty bottle of shampoo in your carryon...even if it only has a half ounce in it..they confiscate it, because the container was originally made to hold more than 4 ounces

bob

icefisher01 · #10 05-09-2008, 06:14 PM

Now, for the US customs. Its not for the DR to take my stuff because "maybe" the US won't allow it! Thats not the concern of the DR.
The shop is selling the same DRY bottle.
So, again, why do they take it away from me and then turn around and sell it in the same building???? Either the customs agent is incorrect OR the airport shop is breaking DR export laws..

Now I'l have to research and see exactly what type of wood and leaves is used and make my own

Thanks for the input guys!!!

P.S. good thing I had 9 shots of mama the night before I left DR