Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Portugal customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Portugal?

Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Portugal instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Customs rules and allowances for travellers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The importation of certain goods is prohibited or restricted, including: protected species of plants and animals, and their parts or derivatives;”

How does Portugal compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

How much CITES-protected species and products can I bring into Portugal?

Restricted

You can bring CITES-protected species and products into Portugal only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources disagree on this rule and the conflict is not yet resolved.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Customs rules and allowances for travellers Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT)
Guia para viajantes Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in Portugal

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Portugal customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Portugal?: Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Portugal instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take CITES-protected species and products out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for CITES-protected species and products apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Customs rules and allowances for travellers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The importation of certain goods is prohibited or restricted, including: protected species of plants and animals, and their parts or derivatives;”
How does Portugal compare with other countries on CITES-protected species and products?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit CITES-protected species and products, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal is among the ones that set a limit.

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