9 products you can’t bring back from holiday
Lets face it, we’re all part of the food chain. Humans have always relied on both wild animals and plants for our most basic needs. Since we first got up on two legs, we’ve relied on our surroundings for food, shelter and clothing. Fast forward to recent years and concern has been increasing over trade in what have now become endangered species. Formed in 1973, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has drawn up a list of species and their by-products to be protected and its member countries (currently 126) have introduced laws banning trade in them.
Bushmeat
This is the meat of any wild animal hunted for food. Apart from any ethical reasons, it may be a health hazard to humans and domestic livestock. Trade in dead specimens of plants and animals and by-products of listed species are also controlled so as it trade does not threaten the survival of the animals in the wild.
Caviar
All species of wild sturgeon and caviar are covered. You can bring 250 grams into the EU for personal consumption. Levels of Caspian Sea sturgeon have got so low now that it is estimated that soon all caviar consumed will be farmed and largely sustainable (if you click the link, a video with sound starts, but I think it’s quite classy – for an ad). Even Waitrose are stocking it now.
Coral
It’s not easy to determine whether coral necklaces have ben made from endangered species, so if in doubt, don’t buy them.
Elephant ivory
In 1997, limited trade in elephant ivory was authorised in Zimbabwe in controlled conditions. Elsewhere, export of these products is still banned even though you may see them for sale in shops, hotels, markets and even airport duty-free areas.
Orchids & cacti
Wild specimens of certain plants are banned. If in doubt, check with DEFRA.
Reptile skins
Fancy some crocodile skin shoes? (you don’t really, do you?). The importing of many reptile skins, crocodiles, snakes and lizards into the EU is strictly controlled. So for boots, belts or bags, buy them at home.
Tigers, leopards and jaguars
Their skins, not the entire animal.
Traditional medicines
See above. Tigers are also highly under threat because of the demands of traditional medicines. These also includes rhino horns and endangered plants and animals.
Turtles & Tortoiseshells
Jewellery, combs, sunglasses or even whole shells from sea turtles are often available on exotic islands. They are also banned.
I may be being naive, but when it comes down to it with all these products, why would you want to?
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