It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in the Czech Republic is legal only under strict conditions governed by the Nature and Landscape Protection Act (No. 114/1992 Sb.) and EU biodiversity directives. Wild bird feathers may not be collected without permits, while domestic poultry feathers are exempt. Enforcement by the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) and regional authorities intensifies under 2026 biodiversity compliance measures.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in Czech Republic
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Protected Species Prohibition: Collecting feathers from wild birds listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) or Czech Red List species (e.g., raptors, corvids) is prohibited without a special exemption from the Ministry of the Environment. Violations incur fines up to CZK 10 million (€400,000) under Act No. 114/1992 Sb.
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Permit Requirements for Non-Protected Wild Birds: Feathers from non-protected wild species (e.g., pigeons, sparrows) may be collected only with a permit from regional nature conservation authorities (krajské úřady). Permits specify quantity limits (typically <50 feathers/year) and seasonal restrictions (March–August banned).
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Domestic Poultry Exemption: Feathers from farmed poultry (chickens, ducks, geese) are unrestricted if sourced from licensed agricultural operations. However, the Czech Veterinary Administration (Státní veterinární správa) requires documentation proving the flock’s health status to prevent biosecurity risks.