Animal trading
Animal trading rules
A short summary of the most important obligations when listing animals.
Version 2026-10-20 · as of 2026-10-20
Key points
- You must comply with applicable laws (Switzerland: Animal Welfare Act and Ordinance; Germany: Animal Welfare Act, Federal Nature Conservation Act and Federal Species Protection Ordinance; Austria: Animal Welfare Act and 2nd Animal Husbandry Ordinance; plus EU species protection law).
- Local rules can differ (cantons, federal states, municipalities). Check the rules before buying or selling.
- Some species require permits or proof of competence (in Austria, e.g. for keeping reptiles); protected species may require valid CITES documents.
- In the EU, trade in invasive species on the Union list is prohibited, e.g. the pond slider (Trachemys scripta).
- Animals with notifiable, contagious, or officially restricted diseases must not be listed.
- Illegal listings, false statements, or misleading content are prohibited.
- Listings may only be created by adults (at least 18 years old) who have legal capacity.
- Sellers are solely responsible for:
- the legality of the offer,
- transport that complies with the law and protects animal welfare,
- a correct and safe handover of the animal.
- ReptElion is an intermediary and not a party to the sale, exchange, or handover agreement.
- Listings are not reviewed in advance.
- We may remove listings and warn, restrict, or permanently suspend accounts in case of violations.
This summary is not complete and does not constitute legal advice. ReptElion acts as an intermediary; contracts are concluded exclusively between buyer and seller. Local regulations may differ.
Official sources
You can find binding information here:
- Fedlex – Animal Welfare Act (TSchG, Switzerland)
- Fedlex – Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV, Switzerland)
- FSVO – Animal welfare (Switzerland)
- FSVO – Species protection / CITES (Switzerland)
- Gesetze im Internet – Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG, Germany)
- Gesetze im Internet – Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG, Germany)
- Gesetze im Internet – Federal Species Protection Ordinance (BArtSchV, Germany)
- BfN WISIA – protection status of species (Germany)
- RIS – Animal Welfare Act (TSchG, Austria)
- RIS – 2nd Animal Husbandry Ordinance (Austria)
- RIS – Species Trade Act 2009 (Austria)
- EUR-Lex – EU Regulation 338/97 (species protection)
- EUR-Lex – EU Regulation 1143/2014 (invasive species)
- CITES – Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
Reporting illegal offers
If you suspect illegal offers, missing proof or animal welfare problems, use the report button. We review the report and can restrict or remove listings and sanction accounts.