CITES guide: How to check if exotic leather is legal in Norway
Jan 27, 2026
CITES guide: How to check if exotic leather is legal in Norway
Do you want to buy a belt, a bag or shoes made of exotic leather? It's important to know whether the product was legally imported to Norway. Here is 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 leather.
In Norway it is Miljødirektoratet that handles the 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 if a shop is legitimate
1. Ask for CITES documentation
A legitimate importer can show you:
- Copy of the CITES certificate
- Import license from Miljødirektoratet
- Documentation from US Fish & Wildlife Service (if imported from the USA)
If the seller cannot show this, do not buy the product.
2. Check if they have an import license
In Norway, only shops with an import license from Miljødirektoratet can legally sell exotic leather products. Ask the seller if they have a license – reputable operators will gladly 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 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 on 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, the following can happen:
- The product may be seized by customs
- You may be fined
- In the worst case it can lead to criminal prosecution
Summary
When you buy 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? Please contact us.
