Sanitary protection of plants - Private imports
If you want to bring live plants, parts of plants (e.g. cut flowers), fruit or seed to Germany, you should note the following advice and import restrictions. That way you can avoid endangering our nature and cultivated plants.
For example, the following plants and parts of plants must generally not be imported into Germany from third countries.
- potatoes
- vine and vine leaves
- soil, plant substratum, except pure peat without plant, from most of the East European and non- European countries.
Importation from Asian, American, African states or Australia
For the importation from these countries, you will always need a phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin for the plants, parts of plants or plant products you bring.
Import from European third countries and the neighbouring Mediterranean area
The importation of single plants, cut flowers or plant products (fruit up to 3 kg) is permissible without any phytosanitary certificate if they are intended for private use.
Introduction from other Member States
Plants, parts of plants (e.g. cut flowers) and other products made from plants from EC Member States except from The Canary Islands are not subject to any phytosanitary restrictions, provided that they are intended for private use.
Pesticides
The importation of pesticides by private individuals is generally prohibited.
For questions about plant protection, please contact:
- the locally competent Plant Protection Control Authority,
- the central Customs Information Centre
- or the locally competent customs offices.
For further information about plant protection, please see the site of the Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz.
