In the midst of the summer holiday season it can be tempting to bring back travel souvenirs. However, travellers returning to the Grand Duchy from third countries - that is, countries outside of the European Union - are not permitted to bring back plant products. Plants, seedlings, roots: all are prohibited, as are fruit and vegetables.
Importing such items can be extremely damaging to nature, says ASTA plant safety inspector Julien Reiners. “The risk is that plant diseases or harmful pests can be brought into the country.” These botanical mementos could potentially risk damaging agricultural crops, or even lead to the extinction of certain plants.
Although there are currently no known cases in Luxembourg, Italy has been severely affected by pests transported from third countries, such as the oriental fruit fly, which has significantly damaged fruit trees in the country.
Even if they appear on a list of authorised plants, ASTA recommends that travellers avoid transporting any plants from third countries to Luxembourg. Reiners says it is complicated to differentiate between certain plants, while a certificate is required to transport some species.
The administration receives reports from customs roughly two or three times a week related to the import of prohibited plant items. In most cases, Reiners says they must deal with fruit and vegetables, which are immediately confiscated at customs and handed over to ASTA for destruction.
As part of raising awareness, the Ministry of Agriculture supports the European Union’s PlantHealth4Life campaign, under the slogan: Take pictures, don’t take plants home!
