Wingy
Contributor
It's a hit and miss thing too, also does depend on who you draw at the airport. Generally they will let you keep things unless they see obvious signs of insect damage. A few months ago I bought home a palm market basket from Malakeula and a Nambas from Tanna lol..the guy on customs desk was more concerned with had the nambas been worn (it hadn't) than inspecting it up close and hands on. The palm basket was a no go, fern masks almost definitely would have been and the nambas probably should've been. Noumea to France would definitely been easier for you.
One thing to be aware of semi related to this thread. I had my entire dive bag and backpack fumigated because it was infested with itchy bitey mites from trekking at Tangkoko. I noticed transiting through Denpasar that the tiny things were still alive after the flight from Makassar so notified the airline (Indo didn't care) but Aus obviously did. I became that person everyone hates when they wouldn't unload anyone's luggage until they had found mine, wrapped them up and sprayed the plane hold again.
Because they fumigated everything I had my regs were fumigated.
Seems no insurance will cover any damage to your goods when it's a government order. Expensive lesson and one set of regs binned...for doing the right thing.
One thing to be aware of semi related to this thread. I had my entire dive bag and backpack fumigated because it was infested with itchy bitey mites from trekking at Tangkoko. I noticed transiting through Denpasar that the tiny things were still alive after the flight from Makassar so notified the airline (Indo didn't care) but Aus obviously did. I became that person everyone hates when they wouldn't unload anyone's luggage until they had found mine, wrapped them up and sprayed the plane hold again.
Because they fumigated everything I had my regs were fumigated.
Seems no insurance will cover any damage to your goods when it's a government order. Expensive lesson and one set of regs binned...for doing the right thing.
