Raimey,

The question is would Belgium allow export of barrels without proofing? Go here and scroll done to mark #36 http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html You will see that in 1924 the rule was established to allow export of unproved barrels to a foreign proof house. Previous to this, no mark was required. So in effect unproofed barrels could be exported. What other countries allowed or required, I could not say. Add in the fact that the Belgians had heavily lobbied Congress to lower the tariff on "barrels in the rough" and we have very low cost barrels available.

Would an American importer request to have barrels proofed, thus adding to their cost?

Walt,

You are very kind. Thanks.

Pete

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