Event Regulations
It is possible to buy or sell reptiles during the SQUAMATA event, but subject to the following restrictions:
- Only animals, insects and plants with the required CITES documentation may be sold (for species covered by CITES – the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). To formalise the transfer of a CITES species (Annex B) between private individuals during the fair, Squamata provides a declaration form, available for a single species (multiple individuals of it allowed) or for multiple species (up to 5) — Italian only, in line with the applicable regulation; see the Legislation & Regulations section of the portal for more.
- The sale or display of spiders and scorpions is permitted, with the exception of the species listed below (compiled by Aracnofilia – Italian Arachnological Association, 2003/2004):
ORDER: ARANEAE
– Suborder Mygalomorphae (Orthognatha)
Family DIPLURIDAE:
Trechona (all species)
Family HEXATHELIDAE:
Atrax (all species)
Hadronyche (all species)
Macrothele (all species)
Family ACTINOPODIDAE:
Missulena (all species)
Family THERAPHOSIDAE:
Harpactirella (all species)
– Suborder Araneomorphae (Labidognatha)
Family MITURGIDAE:
Cheiracanthium (all species)
Family CTENIDAE:
Ctenus (all species)
Phoneutria (all species)
Family SICARIIDAE:
Loxosceles (all species)
Sicarius (all species)
Family THERIDIIDAE:
Latrodectus (all species)
ORDER: SCORPIONES
Family BUTHIDAE:
All genera.
Family SCORPIONIDAE:
Nebo (all species)
Family HEMISCORPIIDAE:
Hemiscorpius (all species)
- It is forbidden to sell or display any animal included in the list of the Ministerial Decree of 19/04/1996: venomous snakes, monitor lizards, crocodilians, alligator snapping turtles, common snapping turtles, reticulated pythons, green anacondas…
- It is forbidden to sell or display MAMMALS, with the exception of Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Praomys natalensis, Meriones sp., Petaurus breviceps, which may ONLY be displayed in cages with mesh or bar walls (NO fauna boxes, NO food containers) to ensure adequate ventilation, and which must not occupy more than 50% of the cage floor area. These MUST have drinking water available at all times.
In any case, it is FORBIDDEN to display and sell UNWEANED mammals.
Examples of suitable and unsuitable cages:
Also permitted are Mus minutoides, Graphiurus murinus, Atelerix albiventris, and small African mammals, which may be displayed in boxes with adequate ventilation.
Examples of suitable cages for African mammals:
- It is forbidden to sell or display birds.
- Exhibitors selling prohibited animals will be immediately removed from the event and will not be admitted to future editions. Should their actions jeopardise the event, compensation may be sought.
- Animals for sale must be handled as little as possible – only for health checks or for inspection by a potential buyer (under strict supervision of the seller). Displaying animals purely for show will not be tolerated.
- Animals for sale must be displayed in closed terrariums or appropriate containers, labelled with: seller's name, scientific name (common name optional), origin (CB/WC/FB), geographic origin, housing temperature, maximum size, diet, protection status (CITES, Bern, Habitat, local laws) where the species is protected, and any toxicity. Only one animal per terrarium/container/fauna box (excluding insects, small lizards and small mammals). Containers must have an appropriate substrate and be of adequate size for the specimen.
- Animals must have access to drinking water (for species that require it).
- Animals not in perfect physical condition or showing signs of possible illness will be immediately removed. Exhibitors who do not follow the instructions of the health officer on site will be expelled.
- It is permitted to sell ONLY the following animals: reptiles, amphibians, insects, rodents (with the restrictions above).
- It is permitted to sell ONLY the following plants: carnivorous plants, bonsai, orchids, ornamental plants.
- It is permitted to sell ONLY fossils that are legally tradeable.
- It is permitted to sell terrarium equipment: terrariums, lamps, heat cables, heating pads, monitoring instruments, and animal food (compliant with applicable regulations).
- It is permitted to sell BOOKS, gadgets and T-shirts on topics related to reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, fossils, bonsai, carnivorous plants, etc.
Please note that temperatures in mid-November can be cold. We ask exhibitors and visitors to plan accordingly for the housing and transport of animals that may be sensitive to cold.
During the event, inspections may be carried out by the local health authority (A.S.L.) and the Carabinieri Forest Protection Unit at their discretion.
Foreign exhibitors from EU countries are required to carry health certificates for their animals as required by EU regulations.
All participants (exhibitors and visitors) are directly and personally responsible for the welfare of their animals, their equipment, and any damage caused by their animals, equipment or staff.
Exhibitors who do not comply with these regulations will be expelled from the event.
The organisation reserves the right not to accept their bookings for future editions.
The organisation shall not be held responsible for any breach by exhibitors or visitors.
We remind exhibitors to bring electrical adapters and extension cords, as although all tables are supplied with electricity, the power socket may not be exactly at your table.
Thank you!
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