eBay "liquidated" my antique blade!

[adamb]

Originally Posted by Sajen

I had this issue years ago with a dagger I bought/auctioned by a Swiss auction house, you need an export CITES paper and an import CITES paper, at this time the auction house has been very helpful.
Here what AI stated:

CITES documentation consists of mandatory permits and certificates required for the international import, export, or re-export of endangered animals and plants, including parts or products. These documents, regulated by a treaty, ensure trade is legal, sustainable, and traceable. The required paperwork is verified at customs and depends on the species' protection level.Key Aspects of CITES DocumentationPermit Types: Export permits, import permits, re-export certificates, and certificates of origin are the main documents.Appendices I, II, & III: The type of permit depends on which CITES appendix the species is listed under, with Appendix I requiring the strictest control.Documentation Required:Export Document: Valid copy of the permit from the exporting country.Import Permit: Necessary for Appendix I species, often requiring evidence of legal acquisition.Scientific Documentation: Legal acquisition certificates for scientific purposes.Live Animal Transport: Specific documentation regarding the housing and care of live animals during transport is often needed.Key Information & ProceduresIssuing Authorities: Permits are issued by the designated Management Authority in each country.EU Requirements: Within the EU, strict documentation is required for Annex A species, and import/export permits are needed for trade outside the EU.Verification: Customs officials at border inspection posts verify the documentation upon import or export.In-Transit Requirements: Shipments moving through a country still require a valid CITES document from the country of origin to the destination.For official information regarding documentation in Germany, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) provides detailed guidelines and forms.

It's an not easy procedure but I think that in your special case it's to late and you would need the help of the seller.

Regards,
Detlef

This does not explain how a buyer is supposed to start this complicated process when the whitish material in question, which is not described in the eBay listing, might not even be ivory. And where to draw the line with this? Should buyers also insist that sellers (who barely know what they have their hands on in the first place) have all the wooden components of a Keris dress scientifically investigated on the off chance these elements are made from a species of Southeast Asian timber that is on the CITES list?