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

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

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

If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Orgánica 12/1995, Artículo 2.3.a), if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated. Under Ley Orgánica 12/1995, de 12 de diciembre, de Represión del, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Spain 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 Spain?

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

Does the Spain 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?

Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria - Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales states it in Permisos y certificados. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Spain 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. Spain is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring CITES-protected species and products to Spain?

Official classification: CITES-protected species and products

Restricted

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

Carried Limited

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

Last verified 2026-09-19

Permisos y certificados Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico (MITECO)

Questions about CITES-protected species and products in Spain

Do I have to declare CITES-protected species and products at Spain customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Spain customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare CITES-protected species and products in Spain?: If you declare the excess yourself, the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Ley Orgánica 12/1995, Artículo 2.3.a), if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated. Under Ley Orgánica 12/1995, de 12 de diciembre, de Represión del, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship CITES-protected species and products to Spain 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 Spain?: Spain publishes no separate rule for taking CITES-protected species and products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Spain 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?: Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria - Departamento de Aduanas e Impuestos Especiales states it in Permisos y certificados. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Spain 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. Spain is among the ones that set a limit.

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