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As some may know, the species once most popular as pets are now on Appendix 2 of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and are also covered by additional, EU-wide, legislation which controls sale, transport and possession within Europe. As such, they may no longer be imported, sold, offered for sale or otherwise traded in within Europe without a special permit. Trade collecting, import and sale of wild tortoises of these species is prohibited totally.
Private individuals may sell a 'surplus' tortoise but only if they are in possession of the relevant CITES documentation. This applies even if the animal is a long-term pet or is captive-bred in this country. Different countries also insist upon various marking provisions - the UK normally required microchipping of animals to be sold and any adults used for breeding stock (unless the juveniles are below 100 mm straight plastron length, when other conditions apply).Microchipping is the only DEFRA approved means of pet identification All three of the commonly kept tortoise species are covered by CITES Appendix II Annex A, which means that it is an offence to buy, sell, trade or sell the youngsters of any Hermanns, Marginated or Spur Thighed Tortoise without relevant paperwork.The DEFRA will not normally issue an un restricted Article 10 for a tortoise for which adequate history cannot be provided.If you purchase a tortoise with the plastron lenght of less than 100mm straight plastron then you youself will be required to get this animal microchipped,your veternarian will then advice on the course of action to obtain your new paperwork(which now has a £25 handling charge))