Animals and plants

Updated : 08/2010

Animals or plants

You may carry animals or plants - including parts there of - when you are travelling in EU countries. But most EU countries do have strict rules on transporting endangered species or products derived from them. You may need a permit to travel with some species.

To find out about a specific species, you should always check the EU wildlife trade reference database. You can also contact the CITES authority in your country to know if the species you want to travel with needs a certificate.

During outbreaks of animal diseases, there may also be local restrictions on the movement of live animals and products of animal origin. Contact the relevant veterinary authorities if you are planning to transport animals.

Sample story

Always check whether you are allowed to take your purchases home

Kaya went to Greece on holiday. She went home to Malta with a necklace made out of shells from marine turtles. A customs officer asked her for a permit for it. As she didn't have a permit, he confiscated the necklace. Generally, goods may be moved freely inside EU countries. But there are strict controls on the movement of some threatened species between countries. Next time, Kaya should contact the Maltese CITES authority to find out if the product she wants to bring back requires a certificate.

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Footnote

In this case, the 27 EU member states + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway

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