Importing fruit or vegetables

Many fruit and vegetables must meet European marketing standards to be imported into the UK, or other European Union (EU) countries. If you are planning to import fresh fruit or vegetables you should apply for a 'Certificate of Conformity' under the PEACH system, which is run by the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The PEACH system can be accessed on the DEFRA website.

Some plants and plant products are prohibited from entering this country. Others are restricted and must be accompanied by a phytosanitary ('plant health') certificate, which is issued by the Plant Health Authority in the exporting country. These measures exist to prevent the introduction into, and spread within, the European Community of serious pests and diseases of plants and plant produce (including fruit). They apply to plants and plant produce brought into the UK from countries outside the European Community for personal use or with the intention of being made available for sale.

DEFRA is responsible for imports of plants. See the Plant Health Guide for Importers on the DEFRA website or email q.info@defra.gsi.gov.uk for more information.

Potatoes and potato seeds can carry pests and diseases, so there are strict rules about importing them into the UK from non-EU countries. DEFRA is responsible for plant-health requirements relating to imports. See the DEFRA website or email q.info@defra.gsi.gov.uk for more information.

Lettuce and spinach can contain nitrates, which can be harmful at high levels. There are maximum levels of nitrates set by the European Commission, so if you are importing these vegetables you must make sure they comply with these rules.

Some products containing the Wonder Bean 'Lupinus Albus' have previously been imported with medical claims on the packaging. These products have been classified as medicines. This means that they must meet the requirements of the Medicines for Human Use (Marketing Authorisation Etc.) Regulations 1994, the Medicines Act 1968 and the Pharmaceutical Directive 2001/83/EC. Lupinus Albus has a history of medicinal use as well as food use, so products containing it may fall within the definition of a medicinal product regardless of any claims.

See the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Guidance Note No. 8: 'A guide to what is a medicinal product' on the MHRA website.

Products classified as medicines normally require a licence before they can be sold or supplied. For further information see the MHRA website.

Kaffir lime leaves are not allowed to be imported to the UK. Fresh cut parts (such as foliage and bark, but not fruit) of any Citrus species are prohibited entry to the EC from all non-EU countries as they carry plant diseases (see The Plant Health (England) Order 2005 on the Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) website). This prohibition covers fresh cut parts only and does not apply to dried leaves and other dried cut parts.

Many nurseries in the UK now supply fresh Kaffir lime leaves and other fresh cut citrus parts.