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Beachcombing for Souvenirs? Often Prohibited – and Sometimes Heavily Fined
Whether it’s seashells, stones, or a bit of sand, many holidaymakers like the idea of bringing home a little piece of the beach. But what seems harmless can lead to legal trouble in certain countries.
Beachcombing for Souvenirs? Often Prohibited – and Sometimes Heavily Fined

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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