A large number of live animals and plants are introduced into the EU every year. But even souvenirs that seem harmless can cause distress for returnees or a need for explanation.
Because what many travelers do not consider when buying souvenirs or found objects are legal regulations such as the Washington Convention on the Protection of Endangered Species (also known as CITES), which strictly controls, restricts or completely bans the trade in the more than 35,000 endangered species currently listed.
As expected, it is forbidden to bring furs from big cats or porcupine quills, even if they were found in the wild. But the shells of some types of mussels or pieces of coral are also on the list of prohibited souvenirs. In the Andes, all types of cacti fall under the CITES regulations.
If something ends up in your suitcase, it will be confiscated by customs upon entry. The officials get help from so-called “species protection dogs”. Austria is one of the few countries working to fight against the illegal wildlife trade in dogs. The animals track down products made, for example, from bear claws, ivory, tiger skin or sea turtle shells.
Source: Nachrichten
