Many overseas Vietnamese and international students want to bring traditional instruments such as the dan bau (monochord) or dan tranh (zither) from Vietnam to Canada, to ease their homesickness or to perform. However, instruments are very sensitive items. They are delicate, can crack with changes in temperature and humidity, and are often made from precious woods on controlled lists. This article takes you through everything from packing to the necessary customs procedures.
Comparing costs and shipping methods for instruments
Depending on the size of the instrument, you can choose the shipping method that keeps costs down. Here is a comparison based on Soleil Transportation’s services:
| Type of instrument | Size and characteristics | Recommended method | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small instruments (bamboo flute, small pipa, accessories) | Under 2 kg, compact | ePacket | From just $8.50 CAD per parcel |
| Medium and large instruments (dan bau, dan tranh, dan nguyet) | Bulky, need strong protection | Dedicated air freight | From $16/kg (import duties included) |
Average air transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–14 days (about 7–12 business days on average). This keeps the instrument’s wood from being exposed to long periods of changing humidity.
How to pack each type of instrument
Traditional Vietnamese instruments are mostly handmade from natural wood and are easily damaged by external forces during airport handling.
How to pack and protect a dan bau
The dan bau has a long box-shaped body, and its most sensitive parts are the neck (made of buffalo horn or bamboo) and the dried gourd (or plastic) resonator.
- Secure the neck: Remove the neck and gourd from the body if the design allows. If they are fixed, wrap the neck tightly in several layers of bubble wrap, then tape it along the body so it can’t snap under downward pressure.
- Protect the tuning peg and string: Loosen the string slightly to reduce tension on the soundboard during the flight, so the top doesn’t crack when the air pressure changes.
How to pack a dan tranh
The dan tranh is large, with many bridges and a complex string system.
- Remove the bridges: Never leave the bridges on the soundboard during shipping. Remove them all, number them or put them together in a small zip bag so none get lost. If left in place, any knock can press them down hard and puncture or scratch the wood.
- Fill the body: Put packing peanuts or soft cotton inside the body (if it has a sound hole) to absorb internal shocks.
Outer packing standards
- Foam box or carton: First, wrap the instrument in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap. Place it in a rigid foam box or a well-fitting carton. Soleil Transportation’s shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a carton.
- Wooden crate: For expensive, high-value or very bulky instruments such as a 19-string dan tranh, an outer wooden frame (or wooden pallet) around the carton is essential for full impact protection. Note that crating adds a packing surcharge and may increase the parcel’s volumetric weight.
Declaring woods covered by CITES
One of the biggest reasons wooden instruments are held or confiscated at the Canadian border (by CBSA) is a breach of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
How do you know if your instrument needs a CITES declaration?
Many high-end dan bau and dan tranh are made from rosewood or Dalbergia species, or are inlaid with mother-of-pearl or abalone. These materials are listed in CITES Appendix II.
- If the instrument is made from ordinary wood (jackfruit, cherry): You don’t need a CITES permit, but write the type of wood in English on the customs declaration (for example, Jackfruit wood or Peach wood) to avoid suspicion.
- If the instrument is made from a CITES-listed wood: You must obtain a CITES export permit from Vietnam’s CITES Management Authority before shipping.
How to declare safely
- Describe the item honestly: Write “Traditional Musical Instrument – Dan Bau” or “Dan Tranh” with a detailed list of the materials of each part.
- If you bought the instrument from a reputable workshop, ask for an invoice or a certificate of the wood’s origin to attach to the shipping documents.
Important notes when shipping instruments to Canada
- Cargo insurance: Because instruments are fragile and have high sentimental and material value, and insurance is not usually included in the standard rate, customers should ask to buy extra cargo insurance so they are properly compensated if something goes wrong.
- Tracking: After shipping, check your tracking number online regularly to follow the clearance status in Canada. Soleil Transportation’s system sends automatic route updates by email or Zalo.
- Delivery: Goods are delivered door-to-door in Canada. Our rates include all import duties on the Vietnam to Canada route, so the recipient doesn’t have to pay any extra charges on delivery.
For more advice on box sizes for specific instruments and the most accurate quote based on actual weight, call +1 888-998-5199 or email the details of your instrument to info@soleiltransportation.com.
