Just for the sake of information...
A few years ago I had the need to transport a piece of dead brain coral from one country to another. Note: we are no longer permitted to take coral from reefs. I had purchased this amazing specimen back in the 1970's, when it was still allowed.
To transport the coral, I had to obtain a CITES document - Certificate for International Transport of Endangered Species - from the Canadian government. I had to get permission from the receiving country to bring the coral in.
I had to report to customs in Canada when I left and show them my documents and the coral. I had to report to customs on arrival in Bermuda and show them my documents and the coral.
The brain coral now resides on display in the Bermuda Underwater Institute of Exploration. They did not have such a specimen before and were very happy to receive it.
So.... I guess it is possible to transport some items but it is very time-consuming. In my case, it was all worth it to return the coral to the island it came from.
.
