Aus officials destroy ₹14L alligator-skin handbag as woman fails to get import permit

Australian customs officials destroyed an alligator-skin designer handbag worth over ₹14 lakh after a woman imported it into Australia without a permit. She had a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) export permit from France, but didn't make an application for an import permit worth over ₹3,700 from the Australian CITES Management Authority.

The luxury bag, from a Saint Laurent boutique in France, was seized by the Australian Border Force in Perth on the suspicion it might have been involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) strictly regulates and monitors products derived from alligator are allowed into Australia to protect species that might be adversely affected by illicit markets.

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences in Australia is 10 years in prison and over $160,000 fine.

Australian Environment Minister Sussan Ley called it a “costly reminder” to apply for the correct paperwork and the citizens of the country should take the time to think about ethical fashion choices.

Governments across the globe have been clamping down on the trade of over-exploited species such as alligators, which critics say are fuelled by the fashion industry.