Bringing back a souvenir from your vacation is nothing unusual. Sometimes a simple card, magnet or photo development is enough. Many people buy souvenirs at stalls and stands, both in Poland and abroad. There are also those who collect shells, stones and other “gifts of the sea” on the beach. Meanwhile, it turns out that ignorance or thoughtlessness can result in serious consequences.
Can you bring a coral reef back from your holiday? This mistake will cost her dearly
A woman returning from holiday in Egypt was unlucky, because on that day, officers of the Customs and Tax Service of the Port of Wrocław-Strachowice selected her for a routine inspection. There was a surprise waiting for them inside. Customs officers found specimens of coral reef there. One of the corals was growing on the shell of a mollusk, the largest bivalve in the world. A total of three specimens were found. The passenger did not report to the inspection that she was bringing these endangered animals, and she did not have the appropriate permit, which is required by EU regulations. So she made a mistake that could cost her a lot.
Transporting this type of coral reef fragments is a crime and is punishable by imprisonment from 3 months to 5 years.
– emphasized the customs officers.
Coral reef Photo National Tax Administration (KAS)
What should you not bring back from your holiday? Not just the coral reef
The list of prohibited souvenirs is something that is worth reading before each trip abroad. These issues are regulated by individual countries, but most of them respect the Washington Convention (CITES). It primarily protects species threatened with extinction. This list included approximately 35,000. species, but just remember not to buy or import anything made from animals. Exotic plants sold, for example, at local markets, should also arouse suspicion. Import of both live plants, bulbs and tubers, including: orchids, cacti or spurges require an appropriate permit and certificate. What should you not bring back from your holiday? These include:
- handbags, wallets, shoes, belts made of crocodile and dragon skin,
- clothing and items made of snake skin,
- useful shells,
- products made of skins and bones of wild cats, including leopards, lynxes, lions and tigers,
- bear products, including products classified as natural medicine,
- reef-forming corals, both animal fragments and products made of corals,
- feathers, eggs and stuffed specimens of birds of prey (except 4 species of urubu),
- sturgeon caviar.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
