Holiday souvenirs: How to avoid high penalties when shopping!

Holiday souvenirs: How to avoid high penalties when shopping!

Österreich - The protection of endangered animal and plant species is a central topic for travelers who want to bring souvenirs home from abroad. The import ban for endangered species is not only a question of nature conservation, but can also have considerable legal consequences. The ÖAMTC warns that the import of such souvenirs can lead to fines of up to 80,000 euros and imprisonment of up to five years if one violates the necessary permits. The Washington Species Protection Convention, also known as Cites, has been regulating international trade with around 32,800 plants and 5,950 animals since 1973 and ensures that excessive exploitation is avoided.

For the import of souvenirs from endangered species into the EU, both export and import permits are necessary. No approval is required within the EU, but certificates are often required for particularly protected species. The Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Service reports that the import of cites-protected animals, plants and products is only completely prohibited under strict requirements or completely. Detailed information on the importing conditions is available on the Internet, for example on the website of the blv.admin.ch.

risks when buying souvenir

Particularly problematic souvenirs can often be found in nature. This includes objects such as ivory, tropical woods, mussels, corals and jewelry made of turtle tanks. Some countries have strict rules and even bans for taking certain souvenirs from their region. For example, it is strictly forbidden in Italy to take sand and mussels with them. In Greece, archaeological objects and self -collected stones are not allowed without permission.

The import of souvenirs from protected species is not just a bureaucratic matter; Specific regulations must be observed in many countries around the world. According to the BFN, more than 37,000 animal and plant species are protected by Cites. International trade in these species must be carefully regulated so as not to endanger your inventory.

import permits and their requirements

To ensure that trading in endangered species is checked, Cites export permits and import permits are required. These must be requested before import and a species protection control is carried out. Musical instruments made of protected wood also require a Cites export permit. Commercial dealers can even apply for a permanent import permit to import products without additional permits.

In some regions, such as the Caribbean, even cacti, orchids and souvenirs from stone corals have to be approved. Cites and national legislation on species and nature conservation are important factors that travelers should consider in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when returning home.