Bringing Shells From Belize: What You Need To Know

It is possible to take shells out of Belize, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to declare that you have the shell, and you may be asked for a certificate of export for certain types of shells, such as the Queen Conch, which is an endangered species. Secondly, the way you transport the shells matters; shells must be packed in checked luggage and not carry-on, as they are considered a potential weapon. Finally, it is worth noting that the environmental impact of removing shells from beaches should be considered, as they are needed to produce sand.

Conch shells are allowed in checked luggage, not carry-on

Conch shells are allowed in checked luggage when leaving Belize, but they are prohibited in carry-on luggage. This is because they are considered a potential weapon and, as such, must be stowed away in the hold. If you are travelling with a conch shell, it is important to declare that you have it, and it is recommended to scrub the shell and remove any algae before packing it.

If you are travelling with a conch shell that was previously used for food, it is important to ensure that it is empty and free of any meat or animal products. While the USDA does not require a permit to bring saltwater shells into the country, proper cleaning and declaration are necessary to avoid potential issues.

When packing a conch shell, be sure to follow any size and weight restrictions provided by your airline. It is also a good idea to wrap the shell carefully to avoid any damage during transit.

It is worth noting that the collection and trade of conch shells can have environmental implications. While it is legal to purchase and bring back conch shells from Belize, it is important to consider the sustainability and potential impact on the local ecosystem.

Queen conch is an endangered species

The queen conch is a species of large sea snails, a gastropod mollusk, that is distributed throughout the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and around Bermuda. In 2024, the queen conch was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

The queen conch is a long-lived species, generally reaching 25 to 30 years old, and are believed to reach sexual maturity around 3.5 to 4 years of age. They are slow-growing and late to mature, reaching up to 12 inches in length and weighing up to 5 pounds.

The queen conch is highly sought after for their meat and are one of the most valuable species in the Caribbean. They are primarily caught by hand, so there is minimal impact on habitat and little bycatch. However, the queen conch is facing significant threats, primarily from overutilization through commercial and illegal fishing. Despite a multitude of fisheries management measures enacted across the region, populations are depleted. The depleted densities of remaining queen conch populations limit mate-finding, reproduction, recruitment, and population connectivity.

In addition, the existing regulatory mechanisms, including morphometric and exploitation thresholds, compliance, and enforcement are insufficient to protect the species from growth overfishing and poaching, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, throughout the Caribbean.

Conch shells are considered a weapon

The strength of conch shells has been recognised for centuries and, in ancient times, they were used as a building material. They have also been used as shell money and as a method of communication in some cultures. In the Aztec culture, the conch was important in rituals, war, art, music, mythology, festivals and the calendar. In the Hindu tradition, the sound of the conch is said to correspond with higher-frequency universal sounds.

Today, researchers at MIT are exploring the secrets of conch shells' extraordinary impact resilience, with a view to reproducing their superior strength in engineered materials for protective headgear and body armour. The conch shell's strength and toughness could be useful in protective helmets, combining the qualities of a metal shell and a flexible liner in one material.

Conch shells are also used as wind instruments and as decorations, as well as in cameo making. In some Caribbean countries, cleaned queen conch shells or polished fragments are sold to tourists as souvenirs or jewellery.

Declare your shell and you may be asked for a certificate

If you declare that you have a shell, you will likely be asked for a certificate. This is because, in some countries, certain types of shells are restricted or prohibited. For example, the Queen Conch is an endangered species and may be restricted in some places. In such cases, you may need to obtain a certificate from the relevant authority, such as the Fisheries Department, to export or transport the shell. This certificate can be presented when requested, demonstrating that you are complying with the regulations.

It is important to note that the regulations regarding shells can vary depending on the country you are visiting or returning to. For example, in the United States, the USDA does not require a permit to bring saltwater seashells into the country if they are cleaned properly and do not pose a significant risk. However, other countries may have different requirements, so it is essential to research the specific regulations for your destination.

Additionally, the size of the shell may also be a factor. Some sources mention that larger shells, such as conch shells, need to be placed in checked baggage when travelling by air as they are considered a potential weapon and may pose a safety risk in carry-on luggage. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the relevant transportation authorities or airlines to ensure compliance with their policies.

Furthermore, it is worth considering the environmental impact of taking shells from beaches. While small, common seashells may not have a significant impact, it is important to be mindful of the sustainability of the natural environment and the potential disruption to the local ecosystem. In some cases, it may be more environmentally friendly to purchase shells or shell-based products from local artisans or markets, supporting the local economy while also preserving the natural environment.

Some people have had their shells confiscated

It is prohibited to carry conch shells in carry-on luggage, and they must be placed in checked baggage. Some people have had their shells confiscated at airport security because they are considered a potential weapon. If you are travelling with conch shells, it is advisable to pack them well and check them in with your hold luggage.

Some travellers have reported that they were specifically asked if they had conch shells in their luggage when clearing out of Belize at the airport. Others have had their bags searched and, when shells were found, they were told they needed to be in checked luggage. It is important to declare that you have a shell, and you may be asked for a certificate.

One traveller reported that they were allowed to carry a conch shell onto their flight from Belize to the US, but when they landed in the US, their shell was confiscated by US Customs. Another traveller reported that they were allowed to bring a conch shell into the US and then on to Germany without any issues.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding the transportation of shells and other wildlife souvenirs can vary between countries. When travelling with shells, it is essential to check the regulations of both the country of export and the country of import.

Frequently asked questions