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US Reviewing Ivory Rule After Bagpipes Are Seized

Wbaron/Wikimedia Commons

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.

The discord started Sunday when Campbell Webster and Eryk Bean were driving back from Canada after a competition that served as a tuneup for the 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

A spokesman for the Fish and Wildlife Service said Friday they recognize musicians have unique circumstances.

The boys eventually got their instruments back.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.