'I'm shocked': Corner Brook woman fined $250 for sealskin purse

A woman from western Newfoundland whose sealskin purse was confiscated by U.S. border security says she's now forced to pay a $250 fine.

Nora Fitzgerald received a letter Monday morning from the U.S. Department of Commerce, stating that she was facing a fine for trying to bring her purse across the border.

Fitzgerald's purse was confiscated when she and a friend tried to cross into the U.S. from New Brunswick.

"I'm shocked," she told CBC News.

"My major concern at the time, because I travel to the states every now and then, is there going to be a red flag when they scan my passport? Is something going to show that I'm bringing in endangered whatever?"

If Fitzgerald doesn't pay the fine in the next 30 days, the letter she received says she won't be permitted entry into the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says product from marine mammals — including seals — should be left at home.

However, Rugged Edge store owner Melissa Young says sealskin products are increasingly popular in the province.

"They love the product, they're really happy that there's a supplier here in Corner Brook now," she said.

Young added she and fellow store owners are aware the products aren't allowed across the American border, and advise their customers to keep that in mind when travelling.

"It's only ever come up in conversation once with a customer who was actually from the U.S. and she decided to take her chances bringing it across the border, and I don't know if she got it through or not but that's the only time it's really come up for us."

As for Fitzgerald, she acknowledged the onus is on her to ensure she isn't unintentionally bringing anything illegal across the border, and already has another U.S. shopping trip planned.

She doesn't expect to ever see her bag again, but has received multiple offers from people who want to replace her purse.