Our process begins by cutting down a tree. When the woodcutter cuts the tree, they place a tag on it and scan the tag using their Smart Phone. This action creates a record of the exact location where the tree was cut, utilizing the phone's GPS capabilities. This establishes a record of where the log was cut as well as the identity of the individual or company responsible for the cutting.

The log is then sent to a mill, where the tag placed by the individual who cut it is scanned. Once the log is cut into billets for instrument makers, the mill places a new tag on each billet. Each new tag contains the identifying information from the original log.

A shipper collects numerous billets or packages from lumber mills, places them in containers, and ships them to a warehouse supplier for luthiers. As the shipper collects the materials, they scan the tag on each billet. Each tag provides information about the origin of the wood.

The shipper then places a new tag on the container, which identifies all its contents as a collection of billets. This tag includes data tracing each piece of wood back to its original tree.

This process enables the shipper to create import/export documents, Lacey Act compliance records, and other necessary documentation. The shipment can then move efficiently to the warehouse supplier. Additionally, all stakeholders—shipper, warehouser, and customs/border patrol—can easily identify the contents of the shipping container and their origins.

The warehouse or supplier receives the shipment from the shipper and, upon breaking it down, scans the individual billets to retrieve information about their origins. They then divide these billets into smaller packages to be sold to individual instrument makers.

When creating these packages, the supplier places a new tag on each one. This tag contains information scanned from the original billet. As a result, when a piece of wood—whether Pernambuco, spruce, maple, or ebony—is sold, it carries a tag with a record tracing back to the original tree.

The tag also includes details about ports of entry, milling, and other steps in the process, as each stage is added to the material’s record.

Instruments and bows are made from these billets, following the same process as the warehouser. The manufacturer, luthier, or other craftsperson scans each raw material and compiles them into a collection for the completed instrument.

When a musician carrying the instrument crosses a border, the border guard can scan the instrument using an iPhone or Android smart phone. This scan retrieves the necessary Lacey Act compliance documents, tracing the materials used back to the original tree or trees from which they were sourced.

This process applies to all materials required for the instrument, such as ebony, spruce, maple, or Pernambuco, ensuring full traceability for what the musician is carrying through the border.

What we have described is the ideal scenario, once all suppliers and individuals in the supply chain are fully onboard with the program.

In the interim, musicians or shop owners with existing instruments lacking scan data can still create a record to establish the instrument's provenance.

This record can be created by photographing any bills of sale, maintenance receipts, appraisals for insurance, estimates of value for sales, or any other documents relating to the authenticity and provenance of the instrument.

These items are bundled together and digitally associated with the instrument by placing a scan tag on it.

This tag links the documentation to the instrument, allowing it to travel with the instrument. Anyone scanning the tag can access the attached documentation, ensuring the provenance remains traceable.

The scan tag on the instrument will travel with it, ensuring the documentation and other input data linked during the scanning and tagging process are readily available. This information can be used to create the instrument passport and supporting documentation, providing all necessary details whenever the musician carrying the instrument encounters enforcement personnel.

Luthiers and shop owners often have inventories of wood, hair, and other natural materials governed by the Lacey Act and CITES. These materials must be properly identified and documented.

The luthier can photograph these inventory items and, along with the photographs, provide affidavits—either written or by photographing receipts—detailing where and when these materials were obtained.

This documentation forms the basis for creating Lacey Act documents, CITES certificates, and other materials required for an instrument passport. When crafting an instrument, the luthier will scan the components being used and tag the completed instrument. This tag will include a complete record of the materials' origins, linking them to the specific finished product for full traceability.

Our ideal solution involves a single small scan tag on all instruments and bows. This tag ensures that, when a musician passes through a passport check or a Lacey Act enforcement agency inspects the instruments held by a luthier or shop, all accompanying documentation is readily accessible.

This documentation includes affidavits, receipts, bills of sale, authenticity documents, identifying photographs and ideally records tracing back to the tree cut at the beginning of the supply chain.

All this information will be available for Border Control and Enforcement Agencies, as well as for the musicians and shop owners who handle, manage, and play these musical instruments.