Many travelers may not be aware that bringing fresh fruit into Thailand without declaring a phytosanitary certificate is illegal under the Plant Quarantine Act of 1964 and its amendments, specifically Sections 8 (2) and 10. Violators are subject to both imprisonment and fines. Some may bring fruit as gifts or unknowingly. Let’s take a look at which fruits are prohibited.
Regarding the Importation of Fresh Fruit into the Kingdom of Thailand
- Importing fresh fruit that is classified as prohibited requires a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin.
- An import permit for prohibited items for commercial purposes must be obtained.
- The import must be declared at the plant quarantine checkpoint, where a permit will be issued to release the goods from the checkpoint.
- If found in violation, legal action will be taken, which includes a penalty of imprisonment for up to 1 year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both, and the goods will be confiscated and destroyed in accordance with the Plant Quarantine Act.
- This measure aims to prevent the introduction of serious pests, such as insects, plant diseases, weeds, or invasive pest species that may accompany the plants and pose a threat to economically important crops in Thailand.
If You Wish to Import Fresh Fruits into Thailand, You Must:
- Obtain the necessary permits as specified by the Department of Agriculture regulations, which include the import permit and a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC).
- Declare the import at the plant quarantine checkpoint, with detailed information on each type/part of the plant and its origin, as the risk of pests varies.
List of Fresh Fruits Prohibited from Being Imported into Thailand:
- Bananas, kiwis, rambutans, cherries, peaches, pomegranates, guavas, persimmons, plums, coconuts, mangoes, papayas, raspberries, longans, lychees, strawberries, citrus fruits, pineapples, pears, passion fruits, grapes, sugarcane, avocados, apples, apricots, dragon fruits, nectarines.
- For a complete list of prohibited fruits and vegetables, visit here
Source : The office of Agricultural Regulation
Photo : Freepik
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
