Endangered animals

The Washington Convention, CITES in abbreviated form, serves to protect endangered animal and plant species by controlling international trading activity in these species. Denmark acceded to the Washington Convention/CITES on 24 October 1977, and today 136 countries around the world have ratified the convention. In Denmark, the convention is managed by the Danish Forest and Nature Agency.

More than 3,100 animals and 35,000 plants are covered by CITES, and new species are added in an ongoing process as more and more animal and plant species are threatened by extinction due to destruction of habitats, collection for the pet market, souvenir production, and other factors.

Imports from and exports to non-EU countries

Importers of animals and plants from countries outside the EU must first apply for a CITES import permit on a special application form available from the Danish Forest and Nature Agency. In case of living plants, an application must be made to the Danish Plant Directorate. The original CITES export permit must accompany the shipment and be presented to customs control along with the CITES import permit at the border customs.

When live animals are imported, they must be transported according to the international shipping regulations (IATA regulations) to protect the animals. Also, the Danish Forest and Nature Agency must be informed of the precise time of entry at least two weekdays in advance, and the animals must be imported through Copenhagen Airport or the Port of Copenhagen.

Trading and exhibitions etc. within the EU

Within the EU, including Denmark, the following rules also apply: All exhibitions for commercial purposes, use with a commercial gain in view, and sale, storage with the intent to sell, offer of sale or transportation for subsequent sale of endangered animals and plants are prohibited.

Special factors: a large number of countries, particularly in the third world, have introduced a full or partial ban on exporting wild animals and plants in order to protect these species. If such species are covered by CITES, they cannot legally be imported into the EU. The EU also prohibits the import of certain animals and plants from specific countries when the EU considers the species in question endangered in such countries. These bans are changed in an ongoing process and, as previously mentioned, changes occur as to which animals and plants are covered by CITES. It should be noted that CITES permits can be issued only by authorised CITES authorities on special forms.

Further information on these matters is available from the Danish Forest and Nature Agency. Sometimes the import and export of animals and plants require a permit from the police in case of commercial trading in animals and private keeping of certain animal species. The release of foreign animals and plants in the Danish environment is prohibited.

It could prove costly to take home a piece of nature

Although international trading in ivory has been prohibited since 1990, carved pieces are still sold, particularly in Africa and Asia. You should not consider bringing home ivory, as this is illegal. Items made from sea turtles, including entire shells, stuffed animals, jewels, combs and sunglasses, may not be imported into the EU. Such items will be confiscated, and you risk being fined.

Coral reefs are vulnerable environments, and a large number of animal species in the oceans depend on them. Many countries have introduced a ban on collecting, selling and exporting corals. Before returning to the EU, you should check whether a permit is required – otherwise your travels could prove an expensive affair. Trading in orchids, cycads, cacti and other coveted plants is subject to strict regulation. You risk being prosecuted if you bring home protected plants without having your papers and formalities in order. Live animals such as parrots and other birds, monkeys, snakes and chameleons are sold on many foreign tourist markets.

Before bringing home live animals, you should think ahead. The import of certain species is banned, while a special permit is required for the import of other species. This also applies to bags, belts and similar items made of snake skin. You should check the rules for importing such items before leaving. Polar bear hides and items carved from the teeth of walruses and certain whale species, including Greenlandic whaletooth tupilac, are some of the arctic items that tourists can buy. These items usually require an export permit. Without such a permit, you risk having your souvenir confiscated upon arrival in Denmark.

Further information

Information about the Washington convention/CITES is available from:

Skov- og Naturstyrelsen
(Danish Forest and Nature Agency)
Haraldsgade 53
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø
Tel: +45 72 54  20 00, weekdays 9am - noon

Queries regarding live plants:

Plantedirektoratet
(Danish Plant Directorate)
Skovbrynet 20
DK-2800 Lyngby
Tel: +45 4596 6600