CITES + wildlife customs
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulates cross-border movement of plants and animals — and the products derived from them. It applies to wholesale traders, but also routinely catches travellers carrying souvenirs.
Appendix I — strictly prohibited
Roughly 1,000 species. Examples: tigers, great apes, sea turtles, rhino, most parrots. Cross-border trade is prohibited except for narrow scientific exceptions. Personal "souvenir" exemption does not apply.
Appendix II — permit required
Roughly 37,000 species. Trade allowed with a CITES export permit from the origin country and import permit (if required) at the destination. Both permits travel with the goods.
Examples: most orchids, hippopotamus ivory, certain corals, all species of seahorse, many timbers (rosewood, bigleaf mahogany), most cacti.
Souvenir traps
- Ivory items (elephant, walrus, hippo).
- Tortoise / turtle shell jewellery.
- Coral.
- Crocodile / alligator / snake leather without CITES tag.
- Bear bile or organ products (traditional medicine).
- Conch / shells of certain marine species.
- Rosewood guitars or furniture.
Related
Reference only. Always verify with your origin country's CITES Management Authority and the destination's before travel or shipment.