Enhanced controls reinforce protection of “Tahitian Pearl” brand integrity
Papeete, [Date] – Customs officers at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport conducted rigorous inspections during late April 2024, resulting in multiple seizures of undeclared pearls across both domestic and international terminals.
Key Interceptions
✈ Domestic Terminal (Inter-Archipelago Flights)
- 43,372 loose pearls (81.8kg total weight) confiscated
- Passengers lacked mandatory certificates of origin
- Fines issued to shippers/recipients after compliance procedures
🌎 International Terminal (Los Angeles-Bound Passenger)
- 29 high-value loose pearls seized from carry-on luggage
- Absence of required Pearl Farming Department export documentation
- Passenger faces customs settlement + penalty fees
Why This Matters
🔹 Brand Protection: Safeguards the premium value of certified Tahitian pearls
🔹 Market Regulation: Disrupts grey market channels threatening legal trade
🔹 Quality Assurance: Ensures only traceable, graded pearls enter global markets
“These operations demonstrate our zero-tolerance policy against unauthorized pearl trading,” stated Customs Director [Name]. “Every seized pearl represents protected income for licensed producers.”
Industry Impact
The crackdown aligns with French Polynesia’s 2024-2027 Pearl Sector Strategic Plan, which prioritizes:
✅ Enhanced traceability through digital certification
✅ Stricter export controls at all transit points
✅ International cooperation to combat illicit trade
Passengers are reminded that all pearl exports require:
- Official government-issued certificate
- Prior declaration to customs
- Commercial invoice for valued shipments
Next Steps: Seized pearls will be destroyed under supervision to prevent reintroduction to markets.
For Travelers: Consult the Maison de la Perle website for export guidelines.
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