Traveling Abroad? Know Before You Go.
Around the world, you’ll find wildlife and plant products for sale — as jewelry, clothes, pets, souvenirs and more. But just because something is for sale doesn’t mean it’s legal to take home. By making informed choices, you can avoid having your souvenir confiscated or paying a fine — and support wildlife conservation around the world.
Download the materials below to take with you on your next trip!
“A Guide for Travelers
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“Caribbean Traveler’s Guide“
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Some products are made from protected animals or plants and may be illegal to export or import. Other wildlife products may require permits before you can bring them home to the United States.
Remember: When in doubt, don’t buy. Your choices can help end illegal wildlife trafficking.
Never Buy:
Top Five Products to Avoid
Ivory: Raw or Carved
Avoid jewelry, hair combs and sunglass
frames made from sea turtle shell.
Don't buy sea turtle meat, soup, eggs,
facial creams, shells, leathers, boots,
handbags, and other goods made
from sea turtle skin.
All Sea Turtle Products
Avoid jewelry, hair combs and sunglass
frames made from sea turtle shell.
Don't buy sea turtle meat, soup, eggs,
facial creams, shells, leathers, boots,
handbags, and other goods made
from sea turtle skin.
Tiger Products
Avoid products from tigers used in
traditional medicine, sold as furs,
or as souvenirs or “good luck” charms.
Rhino Products
Avoid products from rhinos used in
traditional medicine, jewelry, or souvenirs.
Medicinals
Avoid traditional medicines made from
rhino, tiger, leopard, Asiatic black bear,
or musk deer
BUY CAREFULLY:
TOP FIVE PRODUCTS TO QUESTION
Reptile Leather Products
Many garments including belts,
handbags, watchbands, and shoes are
made from non-endangered species
and are okay to purchase. However,
certain leather products may
contain caiman, crocodiles, lizards and
snakes.
Check that your product has a
CITES permit before purchasing.
Coral and Shells
Many nations limit the collection,
sale and export of live coral and coral products.
Consult local authorities before buying
coral souvenirs, jewelry or aquarium decorations.
Take similar precautions with queen conch,
giant clam and other shells.
Import restrictions may also apply—
for example, queen conch shells
from some Caribbean countries
cannot be imported into the U.S.
Check that your product has a
CITES permit before purchasing.
Wild Bird Feathers
Most wild bird feathers require permits,
including from parrots, macaws, cockatoos
and finches.
Check that your product has a
CITES permit before purchasing
Furs
Beware when purchasing furs while
traveling abroad. Most of the world’s
wild cats are protected and you cannot
import skins or items made using the fur
of these protected animals.
Check that your product has a
CITES permit before purchasing.
Wool
Shahtoosh shawls are woven with the
down hair of the protected Tibetan antelope.
However, travelers may import clothing
made from vicuna (a South American
mammal) with a permit from the country
of purchase.
Check that your product has a
CITES permit before purchasing.
Ask Before You Buy
• What is this product made of?
• Where did this product come from?
If traveling outside of the U.S.:
• Does the country I’m visiting allow the sale and export of this product?
• Do I need permits or other documents from this country or the United States to bring this item home?
Learn more about how to travel with wildlife in mind.
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