Importing plants and plant products

If you are importing via the UK, your plants must be cleared by the UK Plant Health Inspectors before they can travel onward to Jersey.

You will need a UK based agent who can liaise with the relevant authority on your behalf.

Commercial imports from the EU

You must be registered with the Plant Health Inspectorate (PHI) as a professional operator to commercially import plants, plant products (horticulture or agriculture) or other objects. Other objects include:

• pallet boards
• agricultural or forestery machinery
• firewood
• some timber

To register as a professional operator you should complete and return the registration form to the PHI. For advice email the plant health team.

High risk plants

High risk plants from the EU must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate which is issued by the orginating country.

You must notify the plant health team prior to importing. These plants will be subject to documentary, physical and identity checks on arrival in Jersey.  A list of high risk plants and plant products can be found here.

Regulated goods

From 1 January 2022 all regulated plants and plant products will be subject to the same rules as high risk plants. Regulated plants and plant products include:

• all plants for planting
• root and tubercle vegetables
• most common fruits other than fruits preserved by deep freezing
• potatoes from some countries
• machinery or vehicles which have been operated for agricultural or forestry purposes

Further advice is available on the gov.uk website.

Commercial imports from the UK

A plant passport is required to import plants and plant products.

The passport is an official label that many plants, plant products and other objects must have. They are attached to the plants by the grower or seller to ensure the supply chain is traceable.

You may need to be registered as a professional operator if you import from the UK, contact the plant health team for advice.

Private imports

Private imports are discouraged as pests and diseases can be easily spread. 

More information about private imports can be found in the Don't Risk It leaflet.

Private imports from the UK

Different rules apply to mail order goods and passenger baggage. Mail order goods require UK plant passports. 

Private imports from the EU

These are subject to greater restrictions than the UK, including the need for phytosanitary certificates in most instances. 

For further information and advice on private imports, contact the plant health team.