In a video published on Instagram, Dr Sarah Rebert, general practitioner, reminds us of an often forgotten rule: when returning from most countries outside the European Union, a fruit, a plant, flowers or seeds do not slip freely into the suitcase. In principle, a phytosanitary certificate may be required, even for a single piece.
Why a simple fruit can be a problem
The example given by the doctor is very telling: a mango bought at a market, a few peppers or a small plant brought back as a souvenir. These objects seem innocuous, and that is precisely the trap. The subject is not primarily a risk for the person who will eat the fruit, but a phytosanitary risk, that is to say a risk for plants, crops, gardens or certain ecosystems.
“Not necessarily because it would be dangerous to eat. The real problem is that it can carry small eggs or tiny insect larvae, but also fungi, bacteria or other plant parasites, unnoticed.“
This reasoning is confirmed by official rules: a plant can appear perfectly healthy while carrying harmful organisms invisible to the naked eye. Once introduced to a new territory, some may settle in and affect local crops or plants. We must therefore not confuse two subjects: a fruit can be edible, but still subject to entry rules into the territory.
French Customs indicates that upon return from a non-member country of the European Union, plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds and other plant products brought back in baggage are, in principle, subject to the presentation of a phytosanitary certificate. This can be true even for a small quantity or a single specimen.
What to check before closing your suitcase
The rule is not that “all fruits are forbidden.” It is more precise: most plants brought back from a non-EU country require prior verification, with a phytosanitary certificate in many cases. Certain particular origins, such as Andorra, Monaco or Switzerland, are treated separately and must be verified on the official sites.
There are also some known exceptions. The doctor cites in particular bananas, pineapples, coconuts, dates and durians. These fruits are among the exceptions not requiring a phytosanitary certificate to enter the European Union. But this is not a reason to generalize: for other fruits, vegetables, seeds, flowers or plants, the rule depends on the product and its origin.
- Identify the country or territory of departure: outside the European Union, vigilance is the rule;
- Check the nature of the memory: fruit, vegetable, seed, cut flower, potted plant or cutting are not to be treated lightly;
- Don’t be fooled by appearance: the absence of a stain, odor or visible insect is not enough;
- Check the rules before returning, especially if you are transporting a plant intended for planting.
A plant brought from abroad can be even more supervised
For a small plant brought back as a souvenir, the level of requirements may be higher: according to Customs, for plants intended for planting, the phytosanitary certificate is not always sufficient and presentation at a border control post may be required upon arrival in the European Union.
The same reflex applies to certain returns from overseas to mainland France. A single rule should not be applied to all cases: conditions vary depending on the territory of origin and the product concerned. Before bringing back a plant souvenir, it is therefore better to check the applicable rules rather than discovering the problem on arrival.
To go further, here are the plants not to bring in your suitcase.
The right reflex is simple: if you are hesitant, do not put the fruit, seed or plant in your luggage without checking. This memory may seem tiny, but the organisms it possibly carries may be invisible.