TRAVELERS to Jamaica are being urged to declare all agricultural products in order to avoid the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could threaten the agriculture sector and the environment.
Chief plant quarantine produce inspector, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sanniel Wilson, said that people are required to declare seeds, meats, plants, and animal products and by-products being taken into the island.
The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage and shipped items.
Wilson, who was addressing a JIS Think Tank on Thursday, cautioned individuals against illegally smuggling plants into the country.
“Be it a tourist, a Jamaican or returning resident, if you intend to carry any plant or plant products here, you are required to have a permit. This permit will tell the exporting country the requirements for taking in this plant,” she noted.
Wilson explained that in cases where there are no permits, the inspectors at the borders of entry will determine whether the items meet the entry requirements.
She is encouraging people to adhere to the laws in order to avoid sanctions.
Fruits
She noted that the Plant Quarantine Act of 1993 and the Plant Import Control Regulations outline clear fines and other sanctions for people who intentionally smuggle in plant-related items.
“Sanctions for illegal introduction of plant and plant products range from $50,000 to $200,000, and could also lead to imprisonment,” Wilson pointed out.
Meanwhile, for individuals who may have visited a farm or ranch in a foreign country, she said: “The clothes you wear, we ask you to leave them there.”
Clothes and shoes worn on farms could contain traces of soil that might harbor foreign diseases.
Chief Technical Director in the Ministry, Dermon Spence, said part of the Ministry’s mandate is to expand agricultural production and ensure that people have access to safe, quality food for consumption.
He noted that achieving these objectives will require that the sector is not compromised by people bringing pests and diseases into the country.
As such, he stressed the need for travellers to fill out the declaration forms that they receive at the airport.
Spence noted that prohibited items that are not declared by passengers will be confiscated and disposed of, and individuals could also face civil penalties.
You must log in to post a comment.