(MOA Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 12th 2024);
To protect our valuable plant resources and agricultural ecosystems, the Plant Quarantine Unit at the Department of Agriculture wishes to inform the public of the phytosanitary measures for the import and export of plant material. These measures are crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests and diseases, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring the health of our agricultural sector.
Phytosanitary measures are actions taken by governments to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests across borders.
A Phytosanitary certificate must be issued by the plant Quarantine Unit. This is an Official document issued by the Plant Quarantine Unit of the exporting country (St. Kitts) certifying that the plant material has been inspected and meets the import requirements of the receiving country. Plant Material must be taken to the Department of Agriculture prior to export for physical inspection by the Plant Quarantine Unit at a cost of E.C$5.00.
Procedures for importing plant products into St. Kitts require persons to:
· Apply for import permit prior to ordering or bringing in consignment
· Consignee must have a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country.
· Imported consignments must be inspected on arrival.
· The consignment must be in a non-soil medium.
· Seeds must be free from pest and disease symptoms.
· Seeds must be disinfected using insecticide or fungicide.
The information provided must include the name and address of the importer, the name and detailed address of the supplier, the number of items to be imported, and the common and scientific name of the commodities.
The public is asked to refrain from importing/exporting plant parts or produce without the necessary documentation (Import permit /Phytosanitary certificate). Failure to comply will result in confiscation of these commodities.
The Department thanks the public for its continued cooperation as we safeguard and protect our borders from harmful pests and diseases.
For more information, persons are asked to contact the Plant Quarantine Unit at 1-869 467-1825 ext. 1826/1827 or email Plantquarantine@gov.kn .
