BUYING an unusual souvenir abroad allows you to put a stamp on your home that tells visitors of your
travelling experiences.
But have you ever considered that the handbag you carry on a Saturday night out or your unusual animal
craft that adorns your fireplace could well be illegal in this country?
Many holidaymakers from Northern Ireland are still unaware as to what we can and cannot bring home from
abroad.
This is why Customs and Excise is setting out to warn about banned and restricted goods in a bid to protect
our health and the environment.
Completely prohibited items include unlicensed drugs, offensive weapons including flick knives, indecent and
obscene material, counterfeit and pirated goods, and any endangered animal products including ivory.
Ron Barrie, HM Customs and Excise, told Northern Ireland Travel News that not only are many of these
products illegal but damaging to endangered and rare wildlife, health and the environment.
"Some items brought into the country can be very dangerous and even life threatening.
"There are Vietnamese wines sold liberally on the streets in Vietnam that have dead, poisonous snakes in
them, a bit like the worm often found in tequila. These snakes are deadly and some of these wines aren't
prepared properly and can damage membranes if drunk, and even cause death."
He added that because an item is sold liberally abroad it does not mean that it is legal in the UK.
The most common prohibited purchases brought back from holidays to this country are often animal products
especially alligator bags and clothing.
"In North America alligator products are often sold illegally and are therefore forbidden.
"However, if you do purchase say an alligator handbag from a legally registered farm you will be given a
State registered receipt which will allow you to take it home."
Items which are accompanied by some form of legal documents go under the banner of restricted goods.
Other restricted goods include firearms, live animals (which need a British Import Licence and must be
quarantined), endangered species such as rare plants, birds and any goods made from them.
Radio transmitters including CB radios that aren't approved for use in the UK are also banned.
Customs and Excise recovered a bear's head at Belfast Harbour recently and alligator heads ranging from
three inches to one foot long.
These have since been used as an example at Customs and Excise exhibitions etc, but are only some of many
unusual and illegal items brought home from abroad. He continued: "We had a case where a lady had to make
a connecting flight to another destination but had to wait in Glasgow airport.
"She had a rare snake wrapped around her waist disguised as a belt.
"She had cooled it to a temperature that would force the reptile into a semi-conscious sleeping state.
"However when she waited in the departure lounge, room temperature awakened the snake and it was confiscated.
"In many cases the illegal item will just be confiscated but when live animals are brought into a
country court action is taken," he added. So if you are planning on travelling this year to
anywhere abroad be vigilant when purchasing rare and unusual items.
Should you have any concerns log on to www.hmce.co.uk or telephone 02890 562 600.

BY EMMA DEIGHAN