Prevent the entry of pests and plant diseases into the EU
Due to the risks posed by dangerous plant pests in the European Union, strict rules apply to the identification of plant species and plant products from countries outside the European Union in personal consignments. All plants or plants intended for planting, certain plant seeds, tubers, green parts of plants and flowers must be identified in such a way that quarantine pests are not carried with them during trade. They are therefore usually grown by registered growers under the supervision of the phytosanitary authorities of the countries of origin, who can send them a phytosanitary certificate. When purchasing the above-mentioned plant goods, verified suppliers must be selected upon entry into the European Union and the proposals must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the exporting country. The exception is only for 5 types of fruit: bananas, coconut, dates, pineapple and durian. This fruit can be introduced without a phytosanitary certificate.