Buy a Tortoise

DO I NEED A LICENSE?

It is a popular misconception that it is illegal to offer any tortoise for sale within the United Kingdon - this is not the case. However where particular species of tortoise is considered to be endangered then it is placed on the CITIES (Convention on Trade In Endangered Species) protection register. The UK Government department responsible for enforcement action and issuing "article 10" certificates (so called liceses) is DEFRA.

The following chart gives the current situation regarding weather a certificate is required or not - however if you have any concerns you should contact DEFRA Wildlife Licensing direct on the telephone number provided below.

General Enquiries - Tel: 0117 372 8168 or 0117 372 8691; Fax 0117 372 8206
Email - wildlife.enforce@defra.gsi.gov.uk

Hermann tortoise
Spur-thinghed tortoise
Marginated tortoise
Horsfield tortoise
Leopard tortoise
Sulcata tortoise
Indian Star tortoise
Red footed tortoise

Testudo hermanni
Testudo graeca
Testuda marginata
Testudo horsfieldi
Geochelone paradis
Geochelone sulcata
Geocheloneelegans
Geochelone carbonaria

Annex A
Annex A
Annex A
Annex B
Annex B
Annex B
Annex B
Annex B

Certificate required
Certificate required
Certificate required
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required
Not required

Click here to download Form FED 1012 Application for an Article 10 Certificate

If you suspect a tortoise is being offered for sale illegally you should report the matter to DEFRA and help discourage the illegal trade in tortoises.