Plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables
Importing phytosanitary products is subject to strict requirements. Examples of phytosanitary products include:
- plants and parts of plants
- radical tubers and bulbs
- cut flowers
- certain types of fruit and vegetables
The requirements for these products concern the protection of plants and products of vegetable origin against harmful organisms. Phytosanitary inspection is performed by the Phytopathological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality ('Plantenziektenkundige Dienst'). Customs fulfils an important task within this phytosanitary inspection process: it passes on any irregularities to the Phytopathological Department when goods enter the country.