​​​1. Can I import plants or seeds ​for planting into the country?

Yes, plant parts which are used for planting or propagation such as seeds, seedlings, cuttings, budwood, tissue culture, and other materials can be imported into the country upon request of an Import Permit.​

2. Why an Import Permit is required to import plants?

Import Permit is a requirement under the Plants Act 1976 to control the importation of plants. The Import Permit states the phytosanitary requirements that the exporting country should comply to ensure the planting materials imported are free from dangerous pests or diseases which are harmful to the agricultural industry in the country.

3. Which other materials require a Plant Import Permit (PIP)?

Other materials that require a Plant Import Permit (PIP) are:

• fruits – fresh and dry
• planting media and rooting compost
• coconut and copra
• used agricultural machineries
• dried flowers and pot-pourri
• pulses and spices
• animal feeds
• timber
• wooden products – furniture and handicrafts
• some vegetables for hotel use only – fresh and frozen
• few fresh cut flowers
• organic fertilizer
• microorganisms, beneficial organism and biological control agent.
  
   
  4. How to apply for a Plant Import Permit?
  
  Application for a Plant Import Permit can be made:
  

1. By downloading the PIP Application Form, filling it and submitting at NPPO (Réduit or Mer Rouge)            [Downl​oad PDF version - 7KB] [Download Word version]
2. By collecting the PIP Application Form at the NPPO (Réduit or Mer Rouge), filling it and submitting at the Office. You may phone on 464 4874 for more information.
3. By  applying for PIP online on the TradeNet Portal of Mauritius Network Services (MNS). Click here: https://tradenetmns.mu/
   
    
   5. Do you require to pay for the Plant Import Permit?
   
   
   If applied manually, no payment is required for issuing the PIP but a clearance fee of Rs 100 needs to be paid for issuing a certificate of inspection, upon inspection of the consignment.
   
   If applied online, the TradeNet Portal of MNS will deduct Rs 100 for the issuance of PIP and clearance of consignment.
   
   Note: The permit is valid for a period of 4 months and one permit shall be used for one consignment only during the valid period unless otherwise specified.
   
    
   6. How long does it take to issue a Plant Import Permit?
   
   
   In the case that the commodities are imported regularly and the application form has been properly filled, the National Plant Protection Office can issue the Import Permit within 3 - 5 working days. However, for items which are requested for the first time to import, this office needs to carry out a pest risk analysis prior to the issue of PIP. Therefore, in such cases it takes longer to issue the PIP.
   
    
   7. What documents (other than a PIP) should accompany the consignments imported?
   
    
   Other documents required to cover for the consignment imported are:
   (1) The original Phytosanitary Certificate issued by Official Plant Protection organization of the exporting country.
   
   (2) The Invoice regarding the consignment.
   
   (3) The Bill of Lading for consignment uploaded in container.
   
   (4) A Certificate of Fumigation, especially for wooden commodities and agricultural machinery.
   
    
   8. Are there agricultural materials or products that do not require a Plant Import Permit?
   
   Processed agricultural materials do not require Plant Import Permit.
   Processed agricultural include canned products, such as legumes, nuts, maize, rice, sesame seeds, spices, etc. These consignments may be accompanied with the Phytosanitary Certificate and will require clearance from the Ministry of Health and Wellness
   
    
   9. Is there any inspection required for the materials imported?
   
   Yes, all the agricultural commodities are subjected to inspection by Plant Quarantine Officers/Inspectors at the entry point: Port Area (Mauritius Container Terminal) at Mer Rouge, SSR International Airport, PATS (Plaisance Air Transport Services) and Cargo Village, Plaisance (Ground to Air Services).
   
    
   10. Is there a fee charged for inspection of imported agricultural commodities?
   
    
   Yes, the inspection fee is Rs 100 for each consignment. Upon inspection, a certificate of inspection is submitted to the importer and the consignment is released, if no quarantine pests and diseases are found.
   
    
   11. Will the agricultural commodity be released immediately after inspection?
   
    
   Not all agricultural commodities will be released immediately. Planting materials such as ornamental plants, plant parts, budwoods and tissue culture plantlets will undergo quarantine while most seeds will undergo Seed Health Testing (SHT) before being released.
   
    
   Note: It is a common practice for quarantine inspection officers to detain one sample (Packaging: sachet or can) of the seeds imported for carrying out Seed Health Testing at Reduit. The importer will be informed on when to collect the remaining sample after SHT has been completed.
   
    
   12. Why do imported plants or planting materials undergo quarantine?
   
    
   It is important to screen and observe the plants and planting materials for the presence of exotic pests and diseases and latent infection.
   
    
   13. What happens if an imported planting material or any other agricultural consignment is found to contain a pest and/or disease?
   
    
   The consignment is destroyed by incineration at the importers cost (Rs 5 per Kg of commodity to be incinerated).
   
    
   14. Are there treatments required before importing agricultural goods?
   
    
   Fumigation or heat treatment of wooden materials and fumigation of agricultural machinery is necessary before the import.
   
    
   Note: Furnished wooden materials (“Bois Vernis") should undergo Fumigation treatment with Sulphuryl Fluoride and not heat treatment whereas non-furnished wooden commodities can undergo heat treatment.
   
    
   15. What is required for me to export plants, plant parts or plant products?
   
    
1. Plant Import Permit – from the country from which materials is intended to be imported.
2. Phytosanitary Certificate (PC) - PC is required to certify that the plants and plant parts and plant products are free from pests, and that the phytosanitary conditions imposed in the Plant Import Permit have been met.
3. Export Permit – Permit for export of agricultural produce under the Plant (Import and Export) Regulation, 1976, section 8. It applies only for regulated agricultural commodities.
   
    
   16. How do I go about in getting the relevant documents to export plants?
   
   

1. Plant Import Permit – from the Official Plant Protection Service of the country of origin.
2. Phytosanitary Certificate: Determine where you intend to export and the conditions imposed by the importing country. Your consignee may be able to get this information for you. A Phytosanitary Certificate can be obtained from any our Plant Quarantine Service at Réduit office, Mer Rouge and SSR International Airport.
3. Export permit: A Permit for export of agricultural produce is obtained from the National Plant Protection Office at Réduit. This form should be filled with all required information and approval for exportation must be obtained from the Ministry of Commerce and Cooperatives.
   
   
   17. What are the fees charged for the export documents?
   
    
   Phytosanitary Certificate:
   
   Rs 50 for commercial consignments
   Rs 10 for non commercial consignments