Travel & Hotspots
Attention, holidaymakers: this is allowed and not allowed to take home
Yesterday I already wrote about all the bizarre finds that customs has made this year (a baked guinea pig, I’m not kidding) and now it’s time for some clarity. Because what can you actually take in your suitcase on the way back?
This is not allowed:
– Everything related to ivory. Just saying: a suitcase made from elephant skin is also not allowed. It has happened before.
– The same goes for coral. Jewelry is still often made from this, but there’s a good chance it will be confiscated if you head towards the gates with it.
– Everything that can function as a weapon. But you get that. A taser disguised as an iPhone (it exists, people, you probably buy it in China) is also not allowed. Just like fireworks.
– Everything related to meat (customs recently intercepted a whole bunch of duck tongues) is not allowed without a permit.
– Band-aids with orchids in them. The orchid is an endangered plant. And everything that is endangered (gosh, it’s so logical actually) cannot be taken on the plane.
– Fake Viagra has also been smuggled and is really not allowed, as it can be dangerous for those who use it. Imitation medicines are not allowed anyway.
– A headdress made of parrot feathers is also not allowed. Almost all parrot species are protected. A bag made from a red fox? It will be confiscated.
– It may seem innocent, but catapults fall under weapons and are therefore prohibited.
”Everything that is endangered cannot be taken on the plane (gosh, it’s so logical actually)”
What is allowed?
– I would rather advise you to save a bit more, but hey, that fake Chanel bag is not prohibited. You can take imitation items for personal use, as long as it’s not for trade.
– You can take a maximum of 430 euros in value. This also applies to electronics, so bringing a MacBook from New York might turn out to be less advantageous than you hoped. Because anything above that 430 euros, you have to pay tax on. If you get caught, at least.
– There are exceptions, such as Olympic medals. Those things are worth a fortune, but you should never bully top athletes, so these can always be taken home tax-free.
– Oh and, while ivory may be banned, a mammoth tooth happens to not be. For the simple reason that the mammoth is no longer an endangered species.
– If you ever find yourself in the strange situation of wanting to take Beluga caviar, be aware that you can take a maximum of 125 grams without a permit. Again, because the sturgeon is threatened with extinction.
– Are you traveling to bella Italia? And are you crazy about truffles? Then be a bit careful with hoarding excessive truffles. Since this is a valuable product, you’ll quickly exceed that 430 euros in value you’re allowed to take. But a quantity to recreate that pasta al tartufo at home is definitely allowed.
– The skin of a non-protected zebra can be taken if it makes you happy. Just like a stuffed animal, provided it is not protected and has been properly stuffed.
– A passenger recently arrived at Schiphol with a five-month-old chihuahua with an official pedigree. If you have the right papers to travel with a live dog, no problem.
Want to read all the practical info about what is and isn’t allowed in your suitcase in detail? The rules about money, food, drinks, tobacco, animals, you name it? It’s possible, because there’s the customs a handy app for that. Bon voyage!
