Buying a tortoise in the UK
How to buy a tortoise in the UK: Article 10 certificates, which species need one, finding a genuine UK breeder, health checks and the questions to ask.
The paperwork: Article 10
Hermann's, spur-thighed and marginated tortoises are listed on Annex A of the wildlife trade rules. Selling one, offering one for sale or advertising one is only legal with a valid Article 10 certificate. The seller should give you the original.
| Species | Article 10 needed to sell? |
|---|---|
| Hermann's tortoise | Yes |
| Spur-thighed tortoise | Yes |
| Marginated tortoise | Yes |
| Horsfield tortoise | No (Annex B) |
There are two kinds. A specimen-specific certificate goes with one microchipped tortoise for life. A transaction-specific certificate covers a single sale, usually for hatchlings too small to chip. Check the species and details on the certificate match the tortoise you're buying.
Where to buy
UK tortoise groups such as the Tortoise Protection Group recommend buying from a genuine UK breeder rather than a pet shop or garden centre, where many tortoises are imports with a rougher start in life. A good breeder will:
- Show you the parents or tell you about them
- Give you the correct Article 10 paperwork
- Tell you what the tortoise eats and how it has been kept
- Be happy for you to call with questions later
A healthy tortoise
- Clear, open eyes and a dry, clean nose
- Feels heavy for its size
- Shell smooth and firm, with no soft spots, pyramiding or damage
- Alert, pushes against your hand with its legs
- Clean around the vent
Before it comes home
Set up the table and run the lamps for a few days to check the temperatures. Find a reptile vet. And read the checklist.
Quick answers
Does a Horsfield tortoise need an Article 10?
Do I need the Article 10 to own a tortoise?
How much does a tortoise cost?
Checked November 2026. General information, not veterinary advice.