Legend has it that the Chilean Indians invented the rainstick to make rainy weather. The rainstick is a type of tubular rattle that throughout the ages, has been used by many cultures in various ways. The rainstick has an unusual internal structure. An interior maze formed of either cactus spines, wooden pegs, bamboo or palm slivers distinguishes the rainstick from other tube rattles. The cylinder is filled with pebbles, hard seeds, beans, sand, rice, or tiny shells. One traditional method of making rainsticks is to use cactus. The spines or thorns are "hammered" inward and lava rock is poured inside the hollow tube. The sounds created when the lava rock hit the many thorns inside the cactus tube, mimic the sound of rain falling on the leaves.
By way of derogation from paragraphs 3 and 4, the introduction or re-introduction into the Community of the following items listed in Annex B to Regulation (EC) No 338/97 shall not require the presentation of an import permit or a (re-)export permit:
(a) caviar of sturgeon species (Acipenseriformes spp) up to a maximum of 250 grams per person;
(b) rainsticks of Cactaceae spp up to three per person.
