CITES guide: How to check if exotic leather is legal in Norway
Jan 27, 2026
CITES Guide: How to Check Whether Exotic Leather Is Legal in Norway
Want to buy a belt, bag, or shoes in exotic leather? Then it’s important to know whether the product was legally imported into Norway. Here you’ll find a simple guide to what to look for.
What is CITES?
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) is an international agreement that regulates trade in endangered animal and plant species. All countries that have signed the CITES agreement must follow strict rules for the import and export of products made from exotic leathers.
In Norway, Miljødirektoratet is responsible for handling CITES regulations.
Which leathers require CITES documentation?
The most common exotic leathers that require a CITES certificate are:
- Alligator (from the USA)
- Crocodile (from various countries)
- Python (from Southeast Asia)
- Ostrich (from South Africa)
Without valid CITES documentation, it is illegal to import these products into Norway.
How to check whether a store is reputable
1. Ask for CITES documentation
A reputable importer can show you:
- Copy of CITES certificate
- Import license from Miljødirektoratet
- Documentation from the US Fish & Wildlife Service (if imported from the USA)
If the seller cannot show this, do not buy the product.
2. Check whether they have an import license
In Norway, only stores with an import license from Miljødirektoratet may legally sell exotic leather products. Ask the seller whether they have a license — reputable businesses will be happy to show it.
Why the USA is the safest source
The USA has the world's strictest CITES controls:
- US Fish & Wildlife Service inspects all products before export
- All shipments are taped up and handed directly to UPS Global Service
- 20 years of experience with sustainable alligator management (1M+ wild alligators in Louisiana and Florida)
For more information about alligator management in Louisiana, see Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Also see Louisiana's Alligator Advisory Council's video on sustainable alligator management:
What happens if you buy illegal leather?
If you buy products without valid CITES documentation, then:
- The product may be seized by customs
- You may be fined
- In the worst case, it could lead to prosecution
Summary
When buying exotic leather products in Norway:
- Always ask for CITES documentation
- Check that the seller has an import license from Miljødirektoratet
- Choose products from the USA for the highest standard
At Bredal Wild, we only import products with full CITES documentation from the USA. All our products are legally imported and approved by Miljødirektoratet.
Do you have questions about CITES or our products? Feel free to contact us.
