Shipping Plants/Plant Products

Rules for the introduction of plants by mail and parcels

The rules for the importation of plants and plant products from outside the EU mean that it is not allowed to import plants, seeds, fruit and other plant products by post and parcels from outside the EU. This also applies to plants and plant products sent by post and parcels.

The rules are due to an EU regulation called the Phytosanitary Regulation. It aims to protect the natural and cultural landscape as well as crop production from serious diseases and pests that can accompany plant products.

The rules mean that it is not allowed to import plants, seeds, fruit and other plant products by post and parcels from countries outside the EU without these being followed by a phytosanitary certificate.

The rules also apply to smaller quantities of plants and plant products.

The only exceptions to these rules are fruits of pineapple, coconut, banana, durian and date, which can be freely introduced.

Phytosanitary certificate and import control

If you receive plants for planting; including certain types of seeds for sowing, from countries outside the EU, these must be followed by a phytosanitary certificate and notified for import control. The product must then be import checked by the Danish Agricultural Agency. You should be aware that there are expenses associated with the Danish Agricultural Agency's import control.

If you receive fruits, vegetables, cut flowers or other living parts of plants not intended for planting from outside the EU, a phytosanitary certificate will still be required, but the products do not need to be notified for import control. As a rule, the Danish Agricultural Agency does not have to import control plants introduced into postal parcels by private individuals, - except for plants for planting, - but the Customs Agency carries out checks on postal parcels on a sample basis and ensures that the import rules are complied with. In situations where customs officers from the Customs Agency suspect a violation, the customs officers will detain the parcels in question and then contact the Danish Agricultural Agency, which will handle the case.

The rules also imply that several types of plants for planting are subject to a ban on imports.

Guidance on importing plants and plant products
Import rules for personal goods shippers
FAQ import rules for personal goods shippers