Clay pot - security problems?
 

Hello,

I live in Brazil and would really love to use a clay pot. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be marketed in Brazil (and the only US online store willing to ship it to Brazil will charge some 250 USD for it while the pot itself costs some 20 USD :D) so I will need to import one. Well, but how to do it?

It is a fragile item and the probability that it would survive a flight in checked-in luggage borders on zero. I am thinking about placing it in a firm box and carry it on board in my hand luggage. The box would not be very big - people definitely have larger carry-on luggage than that. The question is: will the security guys let me? After all, I might break the pot and use the sharp sherds to kill someone... :rolleyes: Does anyone has a similar experience?

In case it matters, it will be a flight from Europe. Actually, it is not a direct flight so I am in for two security checks.

Hoping to hear good news.

They are allowed.

Thanks. :) What do you base this assertion on, though? Some personal experience - either yours or of some acquaintances? Or do airlines publish lists of items people are often in doubt about?

< Works for TSA! IF you have a fragile item in the bag, you can request that it be handled appropriately. They SHOULD clear all the other stuff off the x-ray belt and then send yours through and then catch it at the other end.

Ah, sorry. :) I had to google TSA.

Thanks!

They will likely view the pot as a "gateway" container to more sinister and nefarious containers that might contain dangerous substances. Like liquids. Following this line of illogic, the TSA will think like, er of, the children and confiscate it. It will then be used to put things in at the checkpoint.

actually, you may run into a problem with customs and your clay pot. There was an article afew months ago about an importation ring using pots to sneak in drugs and other things, as the pots obscured their contents when put through an xray. Customs now takes a hard look at them and has been known to break them into pieces if they suspect something is inside of them/between the layers of them.

I had it happen to a friend who shipped some pots home from europe. They were in pieces along with a note from customs saying they weren't liable as they looked suspicious and had to be completely inspected.

I'm a little confused about where the OP is traveling. It appears that the OP is taking the pot home to Brazil from Europe? I doubt Brazilian customs will think the OP is importing drugs from Europe. OP, are you transiting through the US? If not, then TSA shouldn't be involved.

Definitely take the pot on-board if it at all possible, so it's not out of your sight. I would say that the OP needs to make sure that the pot is not wrapped (it can be in a box that is easily opened) and that s/he send it through the x-ray in its own tray. That way, the inspector, whomever it might be, can open it to check inside if they find it necessary. I don't think this will be a problem.

Yes, from Europe to Brazil, not via USA.

The pot will be in an easy to open box. It is a plain, no-frills clay pot. I will be able to take it from the box and place it back quickly.

Thanks everyone. :)

Clay pots are sold in Brazil
 

AcquaCheta,

I can´t believe you can´t find clay pots in Brazil. They are used all the time in traditional dishes, including "feijoada". Found a whole bunch of links goolgeling for "panela de barro". Seems a lot easier than carrying one in from Europe.

Yup, I know of those but they are different. They are glazed and used for cooking and stewing, whereas mine is unglazed (which is essential) and used exclusively inside the oven. Click. This technique seems to be unknown in Brazil. I asked several friends who like cooking.

Made to order
 

Seriously, just ask a local potter to make an unglazed one for you. Besides, the glazed ones do well in the oven too.