Souvenirs: When to leave them on the shelf

Wildlife souvenirs may seem exotic and attractive, but beware of trade bans that could get you into trouble.

Advice from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) recommends that you carefully consider your souvenir purchases when you travel. Exotic souvenirs made from plants or animals could be fuelling an illegal trade that damages the environment and harms endangered species.

The site warns that even though many of these products, such as traditional medicines, ivory carvings and apparel made from animal skin, may be sold in shops in or airports, they might still be illegal. Travellers caught with these goods could face a hefty fine and possible imprisonment.

The CITES website provides a list of prohibited items as well as those requiring a CITES permit. Check out the Advice for Travellers for more information.