WHILE it may be tempting to bring one seemingly common item back to the UK from your holidays, it could land you in serious trouble.
Conch shells are large, pinkish, spiral-shaped shells – and packing them in your luggage could get stopped in UK and international airports.
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The shells are famous for making a noise similar to the ocean when you put your ear to them – and can be found in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
The conch themselves are similar in taste to clams and often sold in markets and shops for tourists and locals to enjoy.
However, many people may be unaware that conch are in fact an endangered species.
As a result, you would need a permit to import a conch shell into the UK – or risk being stopped at customs.
There are further regulations abroad to stop conch – and their shells – being removed from their country of origin.
In Florida, for example, it is illegal to possess a conch shell with a living conch inside.
It is also illegal to possess one if it has an off-centre hole larger than a sixteenth of an inch in diameter through its spire – as this indicates a conch has been killed, mutilated or removed from its shell.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in jail time.
In the Caribbean, a permit is required to export any conch shell – even if it is part of a souvenir such as an item of jewellery.
In December 2021, Caribbean authorities seized five conch shells from a pair of travellers – among 500 other illegally exported items.
Conch are endangered because they have been overfished for many years, due to their status as a delicacy.
Many conch are also harvested while they are still too young to have reproduced.
The animal is now protected under an international treaty called CITES – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
This protects endangered species against over-exploitation by regulating international trade.
What else can’t you bring into the UK?
Some items will be seized by customs if travellers attempt to bring them into the UK. These include:
- Controlled drugs
- Offensive weapons, for example flick knives
- Self-defence sprays, for example pepper spray and CS gas
- Endangered animal and plant species
- Rough diamonds
- Indecent and obscene materials, such as books, magazines, films and DVDs
- Personal imports of meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries
Other items are restricted and require a special licence to bring them into the UK. These include:
- Firearms
- Explosives
- Ammunition
- Some food and plant products
Always check the government website if you’re unsure.
