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
Do you want to buy a belt, bag, or pair of shoes in exotic leather? Then it is important to know whether the product was legally imported into Norway. Here you’ll get 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 importing and exporting products made from exotic leather.
In Norway, the Norwegian Environment Agency 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 whether a store is reputable
1. Ask for CITES documentation
A reputable importer can show you:
- Copy of CITES certificate
- Import license from the Norwegian Environment Agency
- Documentation from US Fish & Wildlife Service (if importing 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 the Norwegian Environment Agency 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 sealed and handed over 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 the Louisiana 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 the Norwegian Environment Agency
- 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 the Norwegian Environment Agency.
Do you have questions about CITES or our products? Feel free to contact us.
