How do I know if the plant or animal product I want to import may be an endangered species?

There is an organization called CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). CITES is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. There are specific lists on the website that indicate if it is allowed entry or not. You are required to have the Latin/scientific name of the plant or animal.