Attention souvenir trap: up to 150,000 euros punishment for vacationers!

Attention souvenir trap: up to 150,000 euros punishment for vacationers!

Frankreich - vacationers who want to bring souvenirs from vacation should find out more about the strict export bans and possible high punishments. The ÖAMTC warns in a recent report that not all souvenirs can be transported without any problems. Collecting mussels and sand is often prohibited by law, especially in European coastal countries. These regulations can result in drastic financial consequences.

In France, for example, fines threaten up to 150,000 euros for taking protected plants. In Italy, the Shipping Act says that collecting sand and mussels is only permitted under certain conditions, and violations at the popular holiday destination Sardinia can be punished with penalties of up to 3,000 euros. The export of many marine animals is also illegal in Croatia, and truffles may only be carried out with a special approval.

special features in other countries

Greece is another country in which great caution is required. Here, archaeological finds and stones at excavation sites must not be taken without permission. Natural souvenirs such as mussels and fossils are also prohibited in Spain, especially on the Canary Islands such as Fuerteventura. In order to monitor the violation of these rules, the Italian authorities use surveillance cameras in many coastal areas.

In addition, travelers should make sure that when returning to Austria, there are high penalties when they introduce souvenirs from endangered species. These can be up to 80,000 euros or even punished with imprisonment, such as Kosmo. Regular checks by the Austrian customs authorities ensure that constant education and surveillance take place.

customs regulations and personal limits

According to a report by [Test.de] (https://www.test.de/zoll Departments-Fuer--souvenirs-5125364-0/), travelers from the EU do not have to pay any customs and import levies, provided that the souvenirs are intended for personal use. However, certain guidelines apply. Flight and sea travelers from the age of 17 may bring souvenirs worth up to 430 euros, while travelers who return by train or car are limited to a maximum of 300 euros.

For children under the age of 15, the exemption limit is a maximum of 175 euros. If the value of the souvenirs exceeds these limits, import levies must be paid. With a value of up to 700 euros, the flat -rate fee is 17.5 percent. In the case of higher values, an individual calculation of customs, import sales tax and consumption taxes takes place.

It is important to be aware of any bans. Taking certain products such as medicinal products for your own use is not subject to reporting as long as you correspond to a period of three months. Nevertheless, the import of certain animals and plants is subject to strict regulations, including souvenirs from materials of endangered species.

travelers should therefore not only pay attention to the laws of the countries they visit, but also to the provisions of their home country to avoid expensive punishments and legal problems.