Tips for Travelers

Going abroad? Think twice about the souvenirs you buy.

You’ll find many wildlife and plant products for sale around the world. As an international traveler, you can support conservation worldwide by asking questions and learning the facts before you buy any wildlife or plant product. Just because you find an item for sale does not mean it is legal to import. Some of these products may be made from illegally taken animals or plants and may not be exported or imported. Others may require permits before you can bring them home to the United States. By making informed choices, you can avoid losing your souvenir or paying a fine.

Most countries protect their native animals and plants under national laws and through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Signed by more than 160 nations including the United States, this treaty supports sustainable trade in wildlife and plants while protecting species at risk.

In addition to international agreements, U.S. laws provide even stronger protections for such animals as marine mammals, elephants, and wild birds. If the country you’re visiting bans the sale or export of a species, you cannot legally import it here.

What You Need to Know

Before you go shopping overseas, make sure that the country you’re visiting allows the export of its native species or other wildlife that you buy or acquire there. Many nations now prohibit or require permits for trade in wildlife and plants

Remember that resource protection laws and treaties not only cover live animals and plants, but also mounted specimens, foods, parts, and products made from or decorated with fur, hide, skin, feathers, scales, shell, antlers, horns, teeth, claws, or bones.

When you return to the United States, you must declare all wildlife, wildlife products, and plants. You may need permits for some items. Others are always off limits.

The guidelines below apply to wildlife items that you carry with you or bring back in your checked luggage for your personal use. Stricter prohibitions may apply if you mail or ship your purchases home.

Sea turtles:
Ivory:
Furs:
Primates:
Wildlife Wools:
Birds:
Feathers and Bird Parts:
Reptiles and Reptilian Leathers:
Fish & Shellfish:
Caviar:
Coral and Shells:
Traditional Asian Medicines:
Injurious Wildlife:
Plants:

Other possible problems

The legality of a wildlife or plant souvenir may depend on both the species involved and the country where you bought it. Examples include products made from pangolin (an Asian anteater); caiman and crocodilian leathers; and mounted butterflies, moths, and insects. If you are importing a bird or any other live animal, wildlife food products, or live plants, contact U.S. agriculture officials before you return to the United States. U.S. laws and regulations generally prohibit the importation of bushmeat, regardless of the species involved.

If you have questions about wildlife purchases before you travel, check with a Service wildlife inspection office. When overseas, contact local resource protection agencies and /or the country’s CITES Management Authority. For permit information, visit the Service’s permits website.

Modified on October 27, 2003