Bringing seashells home

Is it alright to bring seashells home from Malta if they are clean and empty? I am going to Malta from Ireland this week and I'm not sure the rules on bringing seashells home. I will make sure they are empty as I would love to bring some home to ireland with me.

A quick internet search yield the following result, claimed to be derived from the Tripadvisor website.

Bringing Sea Shells into Ireland

You can generally bring ordinary sea shells into Ireland from other countries. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Key Considerations

• Protected Species: Ensure that the shells are not from protected species. Collecting or bringing in shells from endangered or protected species is illegal.
• Quantity: It is advisable to limit the number of shells you bring back. Collecting small quantities for personal use is typically acceptable.

Best Practices

• Washing and Disinfecting: Before packing, wash and disinfect the shells thoroughly. This helps prevent the introduction of pests or diseases into Ireland.
• Documentation: While not always required, having documentation or proof of where the shells were collected can be helpful, especially if questioned by customs.