I've just purchased a mini kelly lizard touch and was informed that Hermes does not give CITES anymore...is this correct? Contrarily, I'd purchased a pair of alligator oran sandals back in April and was given CITES for these
CITES, travel and exotics
- Thread starter Ms Birkin
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Thank you - I will do this as that was my gut feeling too. I only remembered CITES when I was paying for the bag and mentioned it to the sales clerk who said something along the lines of "Oh we don't do this anymore". Have just followed up with my SA on it
Following up on this, I’ve spoken to the SM who informed me that indeed that particular store does not gives CITES for personal use. Interesting to know!
How do they expect the customer to travel with said bag to countries that require a permit? Seems fishy… is this particular store corporate owned or a franchise?
Franchise store. Why would they do such a thing though? I cannot think of a reason why a store would not give CITES to its clients. Granted my bag is tiny with “just” a touch of lizard but how can anyone purchasing a larger and less subtle exotic bag feel comfortable traveling to countries requiring permits? Ironically, LV (in the same city) has provided me with CITES for my exotic capucine.
I’m guessing laziness. The CITES typically arrive in a pile without clear 1 to 1 tagging of which paper goes with which item and deliveries with exotics usually are all/mostly exotics so there would be quite a few to sort through. They are also mostly written in French. Organizing them is probably time consuming and confusing if the store isn’t motivated to do it. I would call back and insist.
Lizard is lizard though and even a small piece could *theoretically* cause an issue at customs. You should be issued a CITES, and you should get it now if you possibly can as Hermes ties the CITES cert to each skin that is used.
I would only be comfortable without CITES if my bag was pre-convention or if I was OK carrying it only to countries that allow exotic personal effects without any paperwork (like the US with Appendix II). I do have a bag without CITES, and this is what I do with it...but for a new Touch you should not have to!
Thank you @Christofle @acrowcounted @QuelleFromage @papertiger for your wealth of knowledge. Glad I asked and didn’t just brush it off! I am miffed at how my home store treats the CITES issue - and wonder how many other H stores out there do this. I will insist on getting the paperwork for my bag, hopefully that yields something
Just for context, I was in Paris earlier this month and purchased silver ear cuffs inlaid with a tiny bit of lizard at both FSH and Sèvres. Each store provided me a CITES form without my having to ask, and the store associates suggested I take a photo of the forms so I have them as backup in my phone as well.
So I think your experience is not the norm, and I would definitely press your store to give you the form!
So I think your experience is not the norm, and I would definitely press your store to give you the form!
It's not up to the individual store. It's simply a legal requirement.
I emailed customer service so that I could have something from H in writing for my records. This was the message received:
Dear Ms. xxx
Thank you for your interest in Hermès.
We received your request, however, unfortunately, house of Hermès strictly does not provide CITES certificates.
You may give us a call on +xx x xxx xxxx or text us on WhatsApp on +xx xx xxx xxxx, at your convenience, and we will be happy to assist you if you have any further questions.
We remain at your disposal and we wish you a pleasant day.
Kind Regards,
xxx
Contact Centre Team
I responded by mentioning that I’d received CITES very recently from FSH for a pair of croco orans and asked why, then, is CITES not issued at this particular store. Doesn’t seem they’ll be budging on their stance and me, being the worrywart that I am, do not forsee myself buying anymore exotics from my home store
Dear Ms. xxx
Thank you for your interest in Hermès.
We received your request, however, unfortunately, house of Hermès strictly does not provide CITES certificates.
You may give us a call on +xx x xxx xxxx or text us on WhatsApp on +xx xx xxx xxxx, at your convenience, and we will be happy to assist you if you have any further questions.
We remain at your disposal and we wish you a pleasant day.
Kind Regards,
xxx
Contact Centre Team
I responded by mentioning that I’d received CITES very recently from FSH for a pair of croco orans and asked why, then, is CITES not issued at this particular store. Doesn’t seem they’ll be budging on their stance and me, being the worrywart that I am, do not forsee myself buying anymore exotics from my home store
Hello Ladies,
Apologies if this has been asked before but I couldn't find the info I'm looking for. I'm travelling from the UK to the States for a short break and was hoping to take my touch bag with Mississippi alligator with me. Do I need the Cites certificate and is taking the bag advisable? It would either be used as hand luggage or carried in my cabin bag.
With thanks
Apologies if this has been asked before but I couldn't find the info I'm looking for. I'm travelling from the UK to the States for a short break and was hoping to take my touch bag with Mississippi alligator with me. Do I need the Cites certificate and is taking the bag advisable? It would either be used as hand luggage or carried in my cabin bag.
With thanks