News
Minister Christopher O’Sullivan urges Irish Holidaymakers to know the law before buying souvenirs abroad
Date Released: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
As the summer holiday season gets underway, Irish travellers are being reminded to check before they buy – and avoid bringing home souvenirs that could land them in trouble.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is urging holidaymakers to be aware of CITES regulations – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – which protect endangered plants and animals from illegal trade.
CITES is an international agreement that ensures the trade in wildlife specimens does not threaten the survival of the species. More than 38,000 species are listed under CITES – including ivory, coral, reptile skins, feathers, certain orchids, wood and timber, traditional medicines, and more.
Don’t Risk Confiscation
Many travellers unknowingly purchase souvenirs or products made from endangered species, unaware that they are illegal to bring into Ireland or the EU without special permits. These items can be seized or confiscated if they travel without the proper CITES documentation.
The advice from Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan is:
“Before purchasing a souvenir, please check with the seller to confirm whether the item contains any plants or animals listed under CITES. If you are in doubt, don’t buy. Illegal trade in endangered species is detrimental to their survival. Checking before you buy will help protect nature.
Many people don’t realise that everyday souvenirs—such as ivory trinkets, coral jewellery, reptile skin products, certain orchids, and traditional medicines—can be illegal to bring into Ireland under CITES regulations. These items may seem harmless, but their trade threatens endangered species and can result in confiscation at the border. I urge everyone to check before they buy and help protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.”
Members of the public can check if a species is regulated under CITES by visiting the Species+ website.
11th European Regional CITES Meeting on Plants to Take Place in Ireland
Minister O’Sullivan reaffirmed Ireland’s ongoing commitment to international biodiversity and its leadership in plant protection in his opening of the 11th European Regional CITES Meeting on Plants from 25–27 June 2025 hosted by NPWS and held in University College Dublin and the Botanic Gardens, Dublin
This meeting brings together representatives from CITES Authorities across Europe, as well as participants from the European Commission, CITES Secretariat and eNGOs, to discuss key issues related to the international trade of plants and their conservation.
The meeting’s primary objective is to advance regional cooperation and encourage knowledge sharing, focusing on policy, regulation, and scientific guidance surrounding the sustainable trade of plant species protected under CITES.
Over the course of three days, attendees will engage in technical discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborative strategy development, ensuring that Europe continues to contribute effectively to the global efforts in plant conservation and sustainable trade.
Further Information
About the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
NPWS is responsible for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage, including its role as the national CITES Management and Scientific Authorities. Through science-based policy, enforcement, and international collaboration, NPWS works to ensure sustainable trade and conservation of species.
About CITES
CITES is an internationally agreed convention between 184 countries. The aim of the convention is to ensure sustainable global trade in wild species of plants and animals and support their long term conservation. There are more than 25,000 plant species included in the Appendices.