Tourexpi
The
R+V Insurance Information Center warns that rules regarding collecting and
taking beach items vary widely from country to country – and in many regions,
it’s explicitly forbidden.
Germany:
Small Quantities Allowed – with Exceptions
Along
the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts, collecting seashells, stones, or fossils
in small amounts for personal use is permitted – but only outside of nature
reserves and not on private beaches. Coastal protection structures, such as
stone embankments, are off-limits. If items have washed ashore, a value limit
of ten euros applies. “Beach finds generally belong to their original owner,”
explains Michael Rempel, a legal expert at R+V Insurance. “If the value exceeds
this limit, the find must be reported – otherwise, it may be considered
misappropriation. If no one claims it within six months, the item can be kept.”
Italy,
Croatia, Turkey: Strict Regulations
Many
holiday destinations have much stricter rules. In Italy, for example, removing
sand from beaches is prohibited – in Sardinia, even collecting small pebbles is
banned. In Croatia, taking fossil or archaeological finds can result in heavy
fines. Protected or rare seashells are also off-limits. Turkey is considered
especially strict: exporting natural or cultural assets can be prosecuted under
criminal law. The German Foreign Office explicitly advises against taking
stones or fossils as souvenirs from Turkey.
Regional
Regulations and High Penalties
Many
regions enforce their own specific rules. In Sardinia, any alteration to the
beach landscape is forbidden – even removing small amounts of sand or stones is
not allowed. Likewise, in Cyprus, parts of Greece, and on Spanish islands such
as Lanzarote or Fuerteventura, violations can lead to steep fines. Rempel
advises: “Anyone considering taking something should definitely check the local
regulations beforehand.”
Additional
Advice from the R+V Information Center:
·
Some beaches display signs indicating
prohibitions – these should always be respected.
·
In distant travel destinations like
Egypt, Costa Rica, or Kenya, collecting and exporting shells is often also
banned.
·
Especially protected species such as
starfish, sea urchins, corals, or large shells may not be collected or brought
into Germany.
·
Souvenirs or jewelry made from these
materials can also cause trouble: they may be confiscated by customs and result
in fines.
·
Certain shell species are subject to
import limits – in some cases, customs duties or prior declarations are
required.
Expert
Tip: If you want to bring home memories from your holiday, it’s better to
choose permitted souvenirs – and protect both the environment and your wallet.
Image
Credit: © AA
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