How We Ship Mammoth Tusks Internationally

This article concerns only large mammoth tusks — pieces that do not securely fit within DHL's maximum parcel size of 120 x 60 x 60 cm. For safety and security reasons, we ship these large tusks exclusively with DB Schenker, now part of the DSV Group (hereafter "DSV"), a partner we have worked with for many years specifically for the international transport of large mammoth tusks.

More broadly, we have been shipping mammoth tusks internationally for over 25 years, and this guide sets out the standard process, so you know exactly what to expect.

Getting a Shipping Quote Before You Commit

Before a prospective buyer commits to purchasing a large mammoth tusk, we quote the exact shipping cost. This is precisely why our large mammoth tusks, within the "Tusks" category, are listed as "request only" rather than available for instant checkout: a tusk of this size cannot be shipped on a standard parcel rate, and we do not believe in asking a buyer to commit to a purchase before they know the exact cost of shipping.

Shipping rates fluctuate daily. Once a rate is requested, we first agree and fix the handling, packaging and shipping cost with our client, and only then do we process the order and issue an invoice. The process described below begins after that invoice has been paid.

A few practical points are worth understanding about how this pricing works. Shipping cost depends on the destination country, and it depends considerably more on the volume of the package than on its weight. Obtaining an accurate quote also involves real work and cost on our part, since it requires engaging third parties such as our logistics partner DSV. For this reason, we are only able to provide shipping quotes to buyers with a serious purchasing intent, rather than as a matter of general curiosity.

Every Tusk is Ready for Immediate Dispatch

All of our mammoth tusks, and all of the other mammoth ivory we stock, are in our ownership and physical possession at our office in Germany. Nothing is sourced to order once a purchase is agreed — every article displayed on our website is available for dispatch from Germany immediately.

Our Commitment to Careful Handling

We take this process very seriously, and no shortcuts are taken to ensure proper documentation, safety and security during transport, and to avoid any complications with customs procedures when shipping internationally. For us, delivering a mammoth tusk safely, in immaculate and undamaged condition, to our discerning clientele matters far more than saving time. We personally prepare and pack each mammoth tusk ourselves, to ensure maximum safety and security while in transit.

Part I: Shipment within the European Union (EU)

The European Union operates as a single customs territory. Once import duties and other applicable charges have been paid on goods entering any EU member state, those goods are considered to be in "free circulation" and can subsequently move between EU member states without any further customs duties or checks. Arctic Antiques GmbH has already paid all applicable customs duties and taxes at the point our mammoth tusks — and all of our other mammoth ivory — were imported into Germany, an EU member state. As a result, no further taxes apply when we ship mammoth tusks from Germany to any other country within the EU.

Preparing a large mammoth tusk for shipment takes at least three full business days. The process is as follows:

• We apply for the Certificate of Origin with the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce; it is issued within 24 hours on a business day.
• We organise transport with our logistics partner, DSV, and prepare and file all of the necessary paperwork for the shipment.
• We construct a custom-made wooden or carton box in which the mammoth tusk will fit precisely and travel safely.
• The tusk is packed, sealed and strapped down to the base of the box so that it is effectively immovable during transport. All remaining space is then filled with biodegradable packing material — no shortcuts are taken here to ensure absolute safety.
• Each tusk is packed individually, which takes time depending on its size.
• Depending on the size and weight of the parcel, the box is either shipped on its own or fitted with a wooden base and moved by forklift.
• Within the EU, mammoth tusks are usually shipped by road transport, with ferry crossings used where necessary.
• Once dispatched, our clients receive a tracking number, the air waybill (AWB), and all other relevant documentation.

Throughout this process, we remain in active communication with the buyer and provide updates at each step.

Part II: International Shipments outside the EU, including the USA

Outside the EU, import duties and taxes may be levied on arrival in the destination country. It is the responsibility of our clients to inform themselves about the applicable customs and import duties in their own country — this falls outside the scope of this article, and outside our responsibility as the seller.

In the United States, import duties currently amount to roughly 10% of the invoice value. This figure is a rough estimate only: actual rates can vary depending on the state and the specific customs procedure applied, this is not binding legal or customs advice, and we do not provide customs brokerage services ourselves.

A few points apply specifically to shipments to the United States:

• We only ship to registered businesses in the US, which makes the process faster, more efficient and more cost-effective for our clients.
• We require a federal Tax ID or EIN before we can begin the invoicing and shipping process described above.
• Due to current state-level ivory laws in the United States, we do not ship to California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, New York or Washington, D.C. These laws also prohibit our documented fossil mammoth ivory, not only elephant ivory.
• Our clients in the US need to tell us whether they already work with their own customs broker, or whether we should engage one on their behalf; this choice is entirely theirs.

When shipping to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or any other country not connected to Germany by land route, our mammoth tusks travel by air freight. Customers can choose to handle import themselves once the shipment reaches their country, which reduces cost, or ask us to arrange delivery all the way to their door, which is naturally more expensive. Every detail of this arrangement is agreed before the purchase is finalised, precisely so the whole process runs efficiently once it begins, and we provide all of the documentation needed for a straightforward customs procedure.

Aside from the use of air freight, the process for international shipments mirrors the EU process described above step for step. Fast and reliable communication remains essential throughout, to keep the process effective and straightforward from start to finish.

A Standard Process, Refined over 25 Years

Everything described above is a standard, well-practised process for us. We have shipped mammoth tusks internationally for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to handle it. It is not a difficult process — but it is one we take seriously, every single time.

If you have any further questions, please email us: info@arcticantiques.com

You can view our current selection of whole mammoth tusks here.

Bibliography

• DSV A/S. "DSV Completes the Acquisition of Schenker." Press release, 30 April 2025. [DSV's acquisition of DB Schenker; ongoing integration]
• Downey, L., cited in "Fossil Ivory Update with Lee Downey." Gems & Gemology, GIA. [States restricting trade in fossil mammoth ivory: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and the District of Columbia]
• Knife Rights. "State Ivory & Animal Parts Ban Summary." [State-by-state legal status of raw fossil mammoth ivory trade]
• Council of the European Union (Consilium). "The EU Customs Union." [Free circulation of goods within the EU customs territory once import duties are paid]
• European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union. "Release for Free Circulation." [Legal definition of free circulation and its effect on internal EU movement of goods]