Last updated: 13 January 2026

  1. Purpose of this statement

This statement outlines how Natural History Curiosities assesses, manages, and mitigates legal, ethical, and regulatory risks related to the sale of natural history specimens, including animal-derived materials, through our webshop.

We publish this assessment in the interest of transparency, regulatory compliance, and responsible trade.

  1. Regulatory background

International wildlife trade is governed by a combination of:

  • National wildlife protection laws in countries of origin
  • Import and export regulations in destination countries
  • International conventions, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

Regulatory frameworks evolve over time. Species that were previously unregulated may become subject to new controls, including permit requirements or trade restrictions.

  1. Scope of assessment

This risk assessment applies to:

  • Specimens originating from wild fauna
  • Osteological material (e.g. skulls, bones, skeletons)
  • Taxidermy, feathers, and related derivatives
  • Historical or legacy stock acquired prior to recent regulatory developments
  1. Identified risk factors

Based on current regulatory trends, scientific assessments, and enforcement guidance, the following risks have been identified:

4.1 Regulatory change risk

  • Certain taxa are subject to proposed or pending international regulation
  • Future listings may introduce permit requirements, even for pre-existing stock
  • Retroactive compliance may not be possible for undocumented material

4.2 Documentation and provenance risk

  • Older specimens may lack complete historical documentation
  • In some taxa, species-level identification of skulls or skeletal material is scientifically complex
  • Enforcement authorities may apply precautionary interpretations where identification is uncertain

4.3 Enforcement and platform risk

  • Online trade is subject to increased scrutiny by customs authorities, platforms, payment providers, and carriers
  • Compliance expectations may exceed minimum legal thresholds
  • Listings may be restricted or removed as a risk-management measure by third parties

4.4 Ethical and conservation risk

  • Scientific literature increasingly identifies online trade as a driver of overexploitation for certain species
  • Even lawful trade may contribute indirectly to conservation pressure or market signaling effects
  1. Mitigation measures implemented by Natural History Curiosities

To address these risks, we apply the following measures:

  • Continuous monitoring of international and national wildlife trade regulations
  • Conservative interpretation of emerging regulatory guidance
  • Suspension or withdrawal of specimens where:
    • Regulatory status is uncertain
    • Species identification is ambiguous
    • Future compliance cannot be guaranteed
  • Refusal to source newly harvested specimens of sensitive taxa
  • Cooperation with authorities, institutions, and experts where clarification is required
  1. Position on pre-regulation stock

While some specimens in historic collections may predate current or proposed regulations, pre-acquisition alone does not automatically guarantee continued eligibility for commercial sale, particularly in an international or online context.

Where regulatory clarity is lacking, Natural History Curiosities applies a precautionary approach and may choose not to offer such items for sale, even if trade may technically remain lawful in some jurisdictions.

  1. Customer information & responsibility

Customers are responsible for:

  • Verifying import legality in their own jurisdiction
  • Obtaining any required permits or approvals
  • Complying with local wildlife and customs regulations

We reserve the right to decline or cancel orders if shipment would pose legal, regulatory, or ethical risks.

  1. Ongoing review

This risk assessment is reviewed periodically and updated as:

  • New regulations enter into force
  • Scientific or conservation guidance evolves
  • Enforcement practices change
  1. Contact

For compliance-related questions, documentation requests, or institutional inquiries, please contact:

info@naturalhistorycuriosities.com