Can I bring endangered species products to United Kingdom?
- Official classification
- Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)
Prohibited
You cannot bring endangered species products into United Kingdom.
What you need to know
- No stated quantity
- Channels: Carried with the traveler
Important
This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.
Official sources
- Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species GOV.UK — Animal and Plant Health Agency
Questions about Endangered species products in United Kingdom
- Can I bring endangered species products to United Kingdom?
- endangered species products may not be brought into United Kingdom at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
- Do I have to declare endangered species products at United Kingdom customs?
- There is nothing to declare — endangered species products cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
- What happens if I do not declare endangered species products in United Kingdom?
- Under Travellers' Allowances Order 1994, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, section 167, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
- Can I post or ship endangered species products to United Kingdom 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 endangered species products out of United Kingdom?
- United Kingdom publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
- Does the United Kingdom limit for endangered species 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?
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force states it in Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “If you do not have a valid permit or certificate for moving or trading CITES listed species, you could be liable to a prison sentence of up to 7 years, an unlimited fine, or both.”
- How does United Kingdom compare with other countries on endangered species products?
- Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products, 12 limit it and 0 let it through. United Kingdom is among the ones that set a limit.
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species · verified 2026-09-19
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species · verified 2026-09-19
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — The Travellers' Allowances Order 1994 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — The Travellers' Allowances Order 1994 · verified 2026-09-20
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species · verified 2026-09-19
Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) / Border Force — Check if you need a CITES permit to import or export endangered species · verified 2026-09-19