Try to explain this? A large chiming clock (early 20th C) in an ebonised case was really securely packed in a wooden crate and sent from the UK to the USA. USA customs sent it back claiming it violated CITES by being made of Ebony.

After checking it was still OK, it was sent back to the USA again with the explanation that it wasn't made of Ebony, it was ebonised, that is, the wood stained Black and then polished with a sort of Black French polish.

When the clock eventually arrived at it's destination, it was smashed to bits. Thank goodness it was insured. Clever US customs eh?