RESTRICTED  
  
WT/ACC/COM/ 5 
7 October  2016 
(16-5411) Page: 1/14 
Working Party on the Accession  
of the Union of the Comoros  Original:  French  
 
  ACCESSION OF THE UNION OF THE COMOROS  
QUESTIONNAIRE ON IMPORT LICENSING PROCEDURES  
 The following submission, dated  26 September  2016, is being circulated at the request of 
the dele gation the Union of the Comoros . 
 
_______________  
 
 WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  OUTLINE OF SYSTEMS  
1. Give a brief description of each licensing system as a whole and, with respect to each, reply 
to the following questions as relevant, placing all of the material with respect to a given system in 
sequence together, and using cross references as appropriate  when elements which have already 
been described are also present in another system.  
The import licensing systems in  the Comoros seek to preserve human health, protect animal 
health and the environment and prevent the entry and spread of organisms that are  harmful to 
plants and plant products in all sectors of the national economy . No alternative method has been 
considered to accomplish those purposes . Furthermore, application of the alcohol import licence is 
in line with the prevailing legislation in the P ublic Health and Safety Code.  
PURPOSES AND COVERAGE OF LICENSING  
2. Identify each licensing system maintained and state what products, appropriately grouped, 
are covered.  
2.1 Import  licence for alcoholic beverag es. The products concerned are : 
 Sparkling win es 
 Malt beer 
 Other fermented drinks (e.g. cider, perry, mead ) 
 Whiskies  
 Rum 
 Gin 
 Champagne . 
2.2. Import  permit for animals and  product s of animal origin. The products concerned are: 
 Equine animals  (horses, asses, mules ) 
 Bovine animals  
 Sheep and goats  
 Swine  
 Domestic dogs and cats  
 Poultry  (land fowl , waterfowl , pigeons and doves ) 
 Rabbits  
 Aquatic mollusc spats (oysters, mussels , etc.)  or breeding shellfish and live  post-larvae  
 Meat of bovine  animals , goats  and sheep . 
2.3. Import approval  for agricultural and fis hing inputs . The products concerned are : 
 Agricultural inputs (seed, pesticides, farming tools , fertilizer ) 
 Fishing inputs  (lines, hooks, boats , outboard motors , lifesaving  equipment ) and 
fish-aggregating devices (FAD)  
 Cattle fodder . 
2.4. Regulation of the import of vaccines and biological products for use in the diagnosis, 
prevention  and treatment of the animal diseases included in Lists A, B and C of the 
World  Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).  
2.5. Regulation of the import of plants and plant products that are subject to entry 
restrictions . For the products concerned, see the annex hereto.  
2.6. No licence to import tobacco . 
2.7. Import licence for luxury rice . WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  3. The system applies to goods originating in and coming from which countries?  
 Types of produ ct Country of origin/ provenance  
(list not yet complete ) 
Import licence for alcoholic 
products  Sparkling wines , wines Spain, Italy , France, South Africa , 
Madagascar  
Malt beer and b eer Belgium , Netherlands , Germany , 
Madagascar  
Other fermented drinks  Belgium, UK, France, Italy, Turkey  
Whiskies  South Africa, France, UK  
Rum Madagascar, R eunion  
Gin France, Italy  
Import licence for luxury rice  Basmati rice  Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, 
India, Thailand, France  
Fragrant rice  Pakistan, United Arab Emi rates, 
India, Thailand, France  
Import permit for animals and 
products of animal origin  Equine animals (horses, asses , 
mules)  NB: Authorized but not imported 
to date  
Bovine animals  Tanzania  
Sheep and goats  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Swine  Not imported to d ate 
Domestic dogs and cat s Madagascar, South Africa  
Poultry ( land fowl , waterfowl , 
pigeons and doves)  Mauritius, Tanzania, Kenya, 
France, Belgium , Madagascar, 
South Africa  
Rabbits  Madagascar, Mauritius, Tanzania, 
South Africa  
Nuclei, broods  Not imp orted to date  
Swarms and queens of domestic 
bees Not imported to date  
Aquatic mollusc spats (oysters, 
mussels, clams, etc.) or breeding 
shellfish and live post -larvae  Madagascar  
Meat of bovine animals  Brazil, Argentina, France, Belgium, 
India 
Meat of goats  Madagascar, France  
Meat of poultry  Brazil, Argentina, France, Belgium, 
India 
Import approval  for agricultural 
and fishing inputs  Pesticides  Tanzania, Mauritius  
Fertilizer  Tanzania, Mauritius, South Africa  
Seed France, Mauritius, Reunion  
Farming tools  France, China, India  
Lines China, South Africa , 
United  Arab Emirates , Japa n 
Hooks  China , South Africa , 
United  Arab Emirates , Japa n 
Boats  Japan, United Arab Emirates , 
Sri Lanka  
Outboard motors  Japan , South Africa , 
United  Arab Emirates  
Lifesaving  equipment  South Africa , France, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Fish-aggregating devi ces (FAD)  Japan , South Africa  
Cattle fodder  Mauritius , Tanzania , Madagascar, 
South Africa , France  
Import authorization for veterinary 
medicines  Biological products  France, Tanzania, South Africa, 
Mauritius, Reunion  
Vaccines  Mauritius, South Africa  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  Import permit for plants, plant 
parts and products of plant origin  Onion  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Garlic  Madagascar, Tanzania, China, 
Yemen, United Arab Emirates, 
India 
Shallots  Madagascar  
Groundnut  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Botanical specimens  Côte d'Ivoire, France  
Cabbage, cauliflower  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Tea Madagascar, Kenya, Tanzania, 
Mauritius, France  
Chilli peppers  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Peppers  Madagascar, Tan zania 
Citrus fruit  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Coconut  Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, 
Madagascar  
Coffee  Madagascar, Tanzania, Kenya  
Taro Madagascar, Tanzania  
Malanga  Not imported to date  
Cereal  Madagascar, Tanzania,  
Sorghum  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Corn Madagascar  
Wheat  France, Egypt, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Barley  France, Reunion  
Oat France, Reunion  
Conifers  Not imported to date  
Cucumber  Madagascar, Tanzania, France  
Patty pan squash  Not imported to date  
Pumpkin  Not imported to date  
Water melon  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Yam Madagascar, Tanzania  
Date palm and similar ornamental 
species  Not imported to date  
Clove  Not imported to date  
Fruit species (seed and 
non-manufactured wood)  Madagascar, China, France, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Strawberry  France 
Soya bean  Malaysia  
Cotton  Madagascar, China, France  
Sunflower  France  
Rubber  France, United Arab Emirates, 
Malaysia  
Sweet potato  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Tomato  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Cassava  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Mango  Madagascar, Tanzania, 
United Arab Emirates  
Banana plant, plantain  Madagascar, Tanzania  
Tobacco  Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, U K 
Orchids (various species)  Pakistan, France, India  
Ordinary rice  Vietnam, Pakistan, India, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Beans and other leguminous 
species   Madagascar, France, China, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Peas  Madagascar, France, China, 
United  Arab Emirates  
Pepper  Madagascar, Tanzania, France  
Sugar cane  Not imported to date  
Grape  Yemen  
Ginger  Madagascar  
Groundnut  Madagascar  
Botanical specimens  Côte d'Ivoire, Reunion, 
South  Africa  
4. Is the licensing intended to restrict the quantity or value of imports, and if not, what are its 
purposes ? Have alternative methods of accomplishing the purposes been considered and if so 
which ? Why have they not b een adopted?  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  The import licensing regimes  in the Comoros are not intend ed to restrict either the quantity or the 
value of imports . Their purpose is to preserve human health, protect animal health and the 
environment and prevent the entry  and spread  of orga nisms that are harmful to plants and plant 
products in all sectors of the national economy . No alternative  method has been considered  to 
accomplish those  purposes . Further more, application  of the alcohol import licence  is in line with 
the prevailing legisl ation in the Public Health and S afety Code.  
5. Cite the law, regulation and/or administrative order under whic h the licensing is maintained . 
(1) Is the l icensing statutorily required ? (2) Does the legislation leave designation of products to 
be subjected t o licensing to administrative discretion ? (3) Is it possible for the government (or the 
executive branch) to abolish the system without legislative approval?  
5.1. Laws, regulations or administrative orders constituting the legal provisions governing  
the licensing system:  
 Order N o. 14-069/VP-MFEBCEIP/CAB regulating  the import, distribution and serving of 
alcoholic beverages pursuant to Law No. 13-014/AU of 2 6 December  2013 on 
competition in the Union of the Comoros  
 Finance Law  No. 08-43/AU (Article 44 ) intro ducing protective  measures on tobacco and 
alcoholic beverages  
 Decree No. 87-024/PR regulat ing the import of animals and products of animal origin ; 
 Decree  No. 87-018/PR regulati ng animal health protection in the  
Federal  Islamic  Republic of the Comoros  
 Order  No. 012-036/VP -MPEEIA/CAB setting the conditions and arrangements for the 
issue of import approvals  for agricultural and fishing inputs  
 Tax Code  
 Decree No.  11-151/PR of 2 3 July 2011 promulgating Law No.  11-007Bis/AU of 
3 May 2011 on the General Tax Code . 
5.2. Yes, the legislator leaves designation of products to be subjected to licensing to 
administrative discretion.  
5.3. No. 
PROCEDURES  
6. For products under restriction as to the quantity or value of imports (whether applicable 
globally or to a limited num ber of countries or whether established bilaterally or unilaterally):  
I. Is information published, and where, concerning allocation of quotas and formalities of 
filing applications for licence s? If not, how is it brought to the attention of possible 
importers ? Of governments and export promotion bodies of exporting countries and their 
trade representatives ? Is the overall amount published ? The amount allocated to goods from 
each country ? The maximum amount allocated to each importer?  
With regard to formalities  of filing applications for licences, information is pu blished in the 
Official  Journal , the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and  in all the relevant agencies (Customs  Authority , 
Tax Authority , Chamber of Commerce, etc.).  
As to allocation of quotas:  
 For alcoho l: two litres per traveller  
 For diplomatic and consular services.  
There are no quotas f or the other products that are subject to licensing systems.  
For these two products, the quantity allocated  to each traveller is published in travel guides and 
brought  to the attention of users.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  II. How is the size of the quotas determined : on a yearly, six -monthly or quarterly basis ? 
Are there cases where the size of quota is determined on a yearly basis but licence s are 
issued for imports on a six -monthly or quarterly bas is? In the latter case, is it necessary for 
importers to apply for fresh licence on a six -monthly or quarterly basis?  
Not all products that are subject to licensing systems in Comoros  have set quotas , however,  there 
is a set quota for  persons travelling wi th alcohol  (see 6.I). 
III. Are licence s allotted for certain goods partly or only to domestic producers of like 
goods ? What steps are taken to ensure that licence s allocated are actually used for imports ? 
Are unused allocations added to quotas for a succeeding period ? Are the names of importers 
to whom licence s have been allocated made known to governments and export promotion 
bodies of exporting countries upon request ? If not, for what reason ? (Indicate products to 
which replies relate .) 
 In the case of the rules governing the import of alcohol, the licence is granted in accordance 
with Article  2 of the Order on alcohol, which reads as follows : "Any person wishing to import 
or sell alcoholic beverages must hold a licence issued by the Fiscal Administration  of the  
Union of the Comoros".  
 In the case of import of agricultural and fishing inputs, the approval  is issued to natural or 
legal persons that fulfil the following conditions:  
 Recognized operator  in the sector relevant to the application for approval  (determine d by 
the committee reviewing the case)  
 Member of a fishing group or cooperative in the Union of the Comoros.  
Under the rules governing the import of animals and products of animal origin, authorization is 
granted to any natural or legal person wishing to import one or more animals provided that the  
application fulfils  the required conditions, which do not depend on nationality.  
For plants and plant products subject to import restrictions, nationals are subject to the same 
conditions as foreigners.  
All licen ces are to  be attached to the customs declarations, as the sole means of ensuring that 
they are actually used  for import s. 
The total licence is granted to domestic  and foreign importers  alike. No unused allocations  or 
quotas . Importers' names are recorded  in the Tax Authority's database.  
IV. From the time of announcing the opening of quotas, as indicated in I above, what is 
the period of time allowed for the submission of applications for licence s? 
As there are no quotas, there is no opening date, although impo rt licences for alcohol fall due on 
1 January  of each year and must be settled before that date.  
For the other licensing regimes , the legal provisions  do not  specify  any time -period s for the 
submission of applications.  
V. What are the minimum and maximum leng ths of time for processing applications?  
Minimum three (3) days and maximum one (1) week for alcohol licences.  
For a licence to import agricultural and fishing inputs, processing  of the application  and issue of 
the approval  shall not take more than seven ( 7) working days.  
For a licence to import animals and products of animal origin, the time -frame for processing  the 
application will depend on the information supplied by the importer regarding the date of loading 
of the animals and other details needed to ensure the animals can be properly handled upon 
unloading in the Union of the Comoros.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  VI. How much time remains, at a minimum, between the granting of licence s and the 
date of opening of the period of importation?  
Minimum three (3) days and maximum one (1) wee k. Importers have  the right to import as soon 
as they receive the licence.  
VII. Is consideration of licence applications effected by a single administrative organ ? 
Or must the application be passed on to other organs for visa, note or approval ? 
If so, which ? Does the importer have to approach more than one administrative 
organ?  
Yes. Alcohol import licence applications are reviewed by the  Tax Authority . 
Licence s to import animals and products of animal origin  are approved  by the Customs Authority.  
Prior authoriza tions for the import of agricultural and fishing inputs are considered  by a technical 
committee comprising:  
 Secretary -General of the Ministry of P roduc tion 
 National Directo r of Agricultural and Livestock Farming Strategies  
 Directo r of the National Re search Institute for Agriculture, Fishing and the Environment (INRAPE)  
 A member  of the Office  of the Minister of P roduction  
 Directo r-General of Fishery Res ources . 
VIII.  If the demand for licence s cannot be fully satisfied, on what basis is the allocation to 
applicants made ? First come, first served ? Past performance ? Is there a maximum amount 
to be allocated per applicant and, if so, on what basis is it determined ? What provision is 
made for new importers ? Are applications examined simultaneously or on receip t? 
Licences are allocated to applicants pursuant to the legal provisions in force, under the conditions 
and modalities of issue stipulated in decrees or orders, which also specify the grounds for refusal.  
IX. In the case of bilateral quotas or export restraint  arrangements where export permits 
are issued by exporting countries, are import licence s also required ? If so, are licence s 
issued automatically?  
There is no bilateral or multilateral quota scheme or any limitation on exports.  
In the case of import of plants and plant products subject to import restrictions, a 
Prior Import  Authorization and a Phytosanitary Certificate are required, plus any necessary 
Additional Declaration (s). 
X. In cases  where imports are allowed on the basis of export permits only, how is t he 
importing country informed of the effect given by the exporting countries to the 
understanding between the two countries?  
Such a situation can arise with respect to compliance with SPS standards, under which  information 
is provided to the exporter by th e Enquiry Points in the two countries . Currently, in the 
Union  of the Comoros, information is delivered by the country's IPPC Contact Point . Once the law 
on phytosanitary protection has been passed, the implementing provisions will formalize the 
Enquiry Po int in line with the SPS Agreement.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  XI. Are there products for which licence s are issued on condition that goods should be 
exported and not sold in the domestic market?  
No, none . There are, however, plans to institute an export and import licensing regime, run  by the 
Foreign Trade Authority . The purpose of this licensing scheme  will be to regulate and control trade 
flows, pursuant to the prevailing law and regulations . This measure aims to underpin the launch of 
a strategic sector.  
7. Where there is no quantita tive limit on importation of a product or on imports from a 
particular country:  
(a) How far in advance of importation must application for a licence be made ? 
Can licence s be obtained within a shorter time  limit or for goods arriving at the port without 
a licen ce (for example, owing to inadvertency)?  
The licence  has to be obtained before the import opera tion. The time -frames for obtaining licences 
are indicated above.  
(b) Can a licence be granted immediately on request?  
A licence is granted once the requisite condit ions are fulfilled . 
(c) Are there any limitations as to the period of the year during which application for 
licence and/or importation may be made ? If so, explain.  
Under Art . 197 of the Tax Code, import licences for alcohol fall due on 1  January of each year a nd 
must be settled before that date . For the import of agricultural and fishing inputs, the approval  is 
issued for a renewable period of one (1) year, which  does not necessarily have to start at the 
beginning of a year.  
For the import of animals and produc ts of animal origin, the authorization is valid for 
three  (3) months ; and for plants and plant products subject to import restrictions it is not limited 
but depends on the needs of a valid import opera tion. 
8. Under what circumstances an application for a licence may be refused other than failure to 
meet the ordinary criteria ? Are the reasons for any refusal given to the applicant ? Have applicants 
a right of appeal in the event of refusal to issue a licence and, if so, to what bodies and under 
what procedur es? 
An application for an alcohol licence may be rejected if any wrongdoing is observed during the 
previous period . An applicant always has the right of appeal to the Tax Authority.  
ELIGIBILITY OF IMPORTERS TO APPLY FOR LICENCE  
9. Are all persons, firms an d institutions eligible to apply for licence s? 
 (a) Under restrictive licensing systems?  
 (b) Under non -restrictive systems?  
If not, is there a system of registration of persons or firms permitted to engage in 
importation ? What persons or firms are eligibl e? Is there a registration fee ? Is there a 
published list of authorized importers?  
The regime is non -restrictive : any person, firm or institution having fulfilled  the requisite 
conditions is eligible  to apply for a licence.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  DOCUMENTATION AND OTHER REQUIREM ENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR LICENCE  
10. What information is required in applications ? Submit a sample form . What documents is the 
importer required to supply with the application?  
For an alcohol or tobacco import  licence , the following  documents are required : 
 Licence fee  
 Tax clearance  
 Taxpayer Identification Number  (TIN). 
For a licence to import  animal products , the following information is required : 
 Application for approval  addressed to the Secretary -General  
 Trade Register for individual companies  
 Copy of ar ticles of incorporation of a PLC , where appropriate  
 Two ( 2) identity photos  
 A certificat e of residence for the applicant  
 Copy of the statutes and voucher  of the group or coo perative  
 Copy of the previous two (2) import authorizations for inputs covered by exemptions  
 Professional profile and contact details of potential suppliers of products to be exempted and 
proposed price  structure s for each product  
 Forecast volume of annual orders of inputs by category . 
For animals and products of a nimal origin, the required information shall be submitted in an 
applicatio n addressed to the Head of the V eterinary Authority indicating  the number, species, race, 
sex, age and provenance . 
11. What documents are required upon actual importation?  
 Import a uthorization  
 Invoice  
 Import permit . 
12. Is there any licensing fee or administrative charge ? If so, what is the amount of the fee 
or charge?  
Yes, there is a fee . In acco rdance with Art . 196 of the Tax Code, the rate payable by importers for 
an alcohol licence is:  
 KMF 4,000,000. 
Under Art . 197, the licence falls due on 1  January of each year and must be settled before that 
date. 
Approval  for the import of agricultural inputs  is issued for a period of one (1) year , renewable on 
request, subject to payment  of a KMF  25,000 application  fee. The authorization entitles the holder 
to the issue of an import permit for each transaction, valid for one (1) calendar y ear, subject to 
payment of a KM F 10,000 application  fee. 
An import permit for animals and products of  animal origin is issu ed for a fee of KM F 1,000, plus:  
 KMF 500 per head of cattle ; 
 KMF 250 per head of goat/sheep ; 
 KMF 5,000 pe r tonne of meat  (of any species ). 
These prices may be revised at any time by order of the Minister of Agricultural Production, 
Industry and Crafts . WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  13. Is there any deposit or advance payment requirement associated with the issue of licence s? 
If so, state the amount or rate, whether it is refundable, the period of retention and the purpose of 
the requirement.  
No. 
CONDITIONS OF LICEN SING  
14. What is the period of validity of a licence ? Can the validity of a licence be extended ? How? 
Three (3) months for animals and products of animal origin . 
One (1) year renewable for other products requiring a licence, in accordance with the regular 
procedures.  
15. Is there any penalty for the non -utilization of a licence or a portion of a licence?  
No. 
16. Are licence s transferable between importers ? If so, are any limitations or conditions attached 
to such transfer?  
No. 
17. Are any other conditions a ttached to the issue of a licence?  
(a) For products subject to quantitative restriction?  
(b) For products not subject to quantitative restriction?  
(a) and (b): No. 
OTHER PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS  
18. Are there any other administrative procedures, apart from import l icensing and similar 
administrative procedures, required prior to importation?  
No. 
19. Is foreign exchange automatically provided by the banking authorities for goods to be 
imported ? Is a licence required as a condition to obtaining foreign exchange ? Is foreign exchange 
always available to cover licence s issued ? What formalities must be fulfilled for obtaining the 
foreign exchange?  
Yes. 
_______________  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  ANNEX  I 
PLANTS AND PLANT PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO IMPORT RESTRICTIONS  
PIA = Prior Import Authorization 
 
PC = Phytosanitary Certificate  
 
AD = Additional De claration (s) 
SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Allium  spp. 
(onion, garlic, shallot s) Plant material  prohibited . 
Bulbs for consumption : Prior Import Authorization ( PIA); 
Additional  Declaration ( AD) – free of  Urocystis  cepulae, Sclerotium  
cepivorum and Ditylenchus  dipsaci . 
Seed: PIA, PC  + AD certifying that the production locations are free of 
the above  organisms . 
Ground -nut (seed s) PIA, PC + AD certifying the absence of peanut mosaic virus , 
peanut  mottle virus a nd Sphaceloma  arachidis . Mandatory treatment 
on arrival.  
Botanical spe cimens  Import  authorized  only for  official services : PIA; PC + AD certifying 
origin  and treat ment on arrival . 
Brassica  
(cabbage, cauliflower ) Plant material : Prohibited . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are free of 
Xanthomonas  campestris  and other diseases transmissible by seeds . 
Treatment on arrival . 
Bulbs, rhizom es and other 
underground parts of various plants  PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are fr ee of ne matodes 
(Globodera  rostochiensis  and others),  virus diseases  and bacterial  
diseases . 
Camellia  
(tea) Plant material prohibited , but authorized for official services . 
Quarant ine on arrival or in a recognized  quarant ine station . 
Seed: Prohibited  for the public , but authorized for official services . 
Import from a country where there is no  Exobasidium  vexans  or 
tea phloem necrosis virus.  
Capsicum 
(chilli and other peppers ) Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free 
of Ralstoni a solanacearum , Phytop hthora  capsici , Colletotrichum  
capsici and Fusarium  oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum . 
Citrus  spp. 
(citrus fruits ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Authorized only for official services . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the pa rent plants have been 
examined during growth and are free of nematodes and virus 
diseases and of  Xanthomonas  campestris  pv. citri. 
Fruit: PIA; PC + AD – certifying the absence of  fruit flies (trypetidae ). 
Cocos nucifera  
(coco nut) Plant material : Prohibite d for the public.  
Nuts: Prohibited from the America s, the Antilles, the 
Caribbean  region , Madagascar and Seychelles.  
From o ther countries : PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of 
nematodes , weevils  and virus diseases  on the parent plants . 
Coffea  
(coffee ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: Prohibited  from Central America , South America  and 
neighbouring territori es. From other countries  – PIA, PC + AD 
certifying the absence in the country of origin  of Mycena  citricolor , 
coffee ringspot virus, bl ister spot virus, Meloidogyne  exigua  and 
Hypothene mus hampei , coffee berry borer . 
Coffee for consumption : Prohibited  from the Americas unless roasted . 
Colocasia  spp. 
(taro)  
Xanthosoma sp. 
(malanga ) Germ plasm : Only official services . Import  authorized  in the form of  in 
vitro seedlings : AD certifying indexation of the parent plants . 
Quarant ine on arrival . 
Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
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  SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Cereal  
(seeds – sorghum , corn, wheat , 
barley , oat, rye , etc.) Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production  locations are free 
of Scleropthora  macrospora  and other  Scleropthora , Erwinia  stewartii , 
sugar cane mosaic virus , Perenosclerospora  maydis , Tilletia  
caries/tritici  and Pseudocercosporella  herpotrichoides . 
From sugar -cane growing re gions : Quarant ine. 
Grain  for consumption : To be determined by the  NPPO depending on  
the re gions imported from.  
Conifer s  Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying the  absence of rusts in the  
production  locations . Mandatory treat ment on arrival . 
Cucurbits  (cucumber, squash, 
pumpkin , water melon , etc.)  PIA; PC + AD certifying that the production locations are free of  
Fusarium  oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum,  virus diseases and diseases 
transmitted by seeds . Treatment on arrival where ne cessary . 
Diosc orea spp. 
(yam) Plant material : Prohibited . Only official  services are authorized to  
import germplasm : PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants of 
origin have been indexed for major virus diseases (e.g. yam  mosaic  
potyvirus) and Scutellonema  bradys . 
Seed: PIA, PC + AD certifying mandatory treatment at point of origin . 
Date palm and similar ornamental 
species  Plant material normally prohibited for the public.  
Seed and seedlings : PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the production 
locations are free of cadang-cadang  viroid , lethal  yellowing  
phytoplasma , Rhynchophorus  spp. and Rhadinaphelenchus  
cocoophiilus . Subsequent c hecks  at planting location s. 
Eugenia spp. 
(clove) Plant material : Prohibited for the public . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the product ion locations are free 
of Endothia  eugeniae  and Diplodia  eugeni oides. 
Fruit species (seeds and unprocessed 
wood)  Plant mater ial: Prohibited for the public ; special authorization for 
official  services.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – mandatory treat ment at point of o rigin or on 
arrival . 
Wood : PIA; PC + AD – mandatory treatment on arrival . 
Subsequent checks  at planting locations for imported seeds . 
Fragaria  spp. 
(strawberry ) Plant material : PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants have 
been examined during growt h and are free of  fungal diseases , virus 
diseases, ne matodes and bacterial diseases  – Corynebacterium  
fascians ; Phytop hthora  fragariae . 
Fruit: PC + mandatory treat ment. 
From regions of Asia  (East of  60° longitude) and other re gions 
affected by  fruit flies of type  Anastrepha , Bactrocera  dorsalis  and 
other  dangerous trypetidae : Prohibited . 
Fresh fruit  
(various species ) Fruit: PC + mandatory treatment . 
From regions of Asia (East of 60 ° longitude) and other regions 
affected by fruit flies of type  Anastepha , Bactrocera  dorsalis  and other  
trypetidae : Prohibited.  
Glycine m ax 
(soya bean) Plant material : Prohibited for the public . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying the absence in  the produc tion regions 
of Heterodera glycines , bacterial wilt  – Curtobacterium  
flaccumfas ciens and virus diseases . 
Gossypium  spp. 
(cotton) Plant material : Prohibited for the public . 
Seeds : Authorized only for official services – PIA; PC + AD (specific 
harmful organisms) and quarant ine on arrival . 
Non-manufactured  cotton: No restriction.  
Gram ineae 
(various species apart from rice and 
sugar cane ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying the absence in the batches of  
Pseudocercosporella  herpotrichoides , Tilletia  caries , T. tritici; 
Scleropthora  macrospora  and ot her Scleropthora  spp., and 
Urocysti s agropyr i. Absence of virus diseases transmissible  by seed . 
Mandatory treat ment of seed on arrival . 
From sugar -cane growing regions : Quarantine on arrival . 
Helianthus  sp. 
(sunflower ) Plant material : Prohibited for the p ublic; authorized for official 
services : PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence at the point of origin of  
Pucinia  helianth i and Plasmopara halstedii . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence in the country of origin of 
Pseudomonas syringae  pv. helianthi, P. helianthi  and Plasmopara  
halstedii . WT/ACC/COM/5  
- 13 - 
  SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Hevea  spp. 
(rubber ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Seed: Import from tropic al Ame rican countries and other countries 
affected by Microcyclus  ulei is prohibited  for the  public.  
Prior authoriz ation for officia l services : PIA; PC + AD, mandatory 
quarant ine on arrival . 
Ipomea  spp. 
(sweet potato ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public . 
Authorization to import in  vitro seedling s from secure sources  
(e.g. IITA) only for official  services . Mandatory quarant ine and 
subsequent  monitoring in the fields . 
Living organisms (beneficial ) Import a uthorization only for official services . Mandatory quarantine 
on arrival .  
Lycopersicon  esculentum  
(tomato ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Fruit: Prohibited . 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants have been 
examined during growth for absence of  canker  Clavibacter  
michiganensis subsp . michiganensis  and major virus diseases . 
Treatment of seed on arrival.  
Manihot esculenta  and other 
Manihot ae 
(cassava ) Plant material : Only official services for in  vitro seedlings . 
PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the parent plants are free of  cassava  
mosaic virus  (severe strains) , cassava  brown  streak virus and 
bacterial diseases . 
Mangifera  indica  
(mango ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public.  
Authorized only for official services.  
PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the parent plants are free of bacterial 
diseases  and virus diseases . Quarant ine on arrival.  
Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying the absence of  Cryptorhynchus  olivieri . 
Fruit: Prohibited  from Asian countries (East of 60 ° longitude) . 
Musa spp. 
(banana plant, plantain, Strelitzia, 
Heliconia  spp., etc.) Germ plasm : Only official services.  
PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the production locations are free of  
Moko  disease - Ralstonia solanacearum  race II , Fusarium  oxysporum  
f.sp. cubense, Radopholus  citrophilus, Radopholus similis, 
Aleurocanthus  spiniferus and A. woglu mi as well as  black streak 
cercosporiosis – Mycosphaerella  fijiensis. 
Fruit: Not authorized.  
Nicotiana  spp. 
(tobacco) Plant material : Prohibite d. 
Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the parent plants are free of  
Peronospora  tabacina  (tobacco blue mould ) as well as  Pseudomonas  
syringae  pv. Tabaci. Quarant ine on arrival . 
Dry leaves : Fumigation on arrival, but must or iginate from countries 
where there is no blue mould.  
Orchid s (various species ) Plant material : PIA; PC + AD – certifying that the parent plants are 
free of virus diseases, bacterial diseases and ne matodes . Quarant ine 
on arrival will be required  – subseque nt checks  in the fields.  
Oryza  sp. 
(rice) Plant material : Prohibited . 
Paddy seed : Prohibited from countries affected by pathogenic bacteria 
or nematodes such Xanthomonas  campestris  pv. Oryzae , 
Xanthomonas  campestris  pv. oryzicola, Ditylenchus  angustus and 
Aphelenchoides  besseyi . 
Seed for research : PIA; PC + AD – certifying the absence the above 
pests . Quarant ine on arrival . 
Rice for consumption : No restriction.  
Leguminous plants  
(beans and other species ) Seed: PIA; PC + AD – certifying the absence of  Curtobacterium  
flaccumfasciens  f.sp. flaccumfasciens  bacterial wilt in the production 
region . 
Peas 
(Vigna,  Lathyrus  spp.) Seed: PIA; PC + AD certifying that  there is no pea blight 
(Pseudomonas pisi ) in the production region . Absence of viru s 
diseases on Vigna  species . 
Piper nigrum  
(pepper ) Plant material : Authorized only for official services : PIA + PC. 
Quarant ine on arrival . 
Seed: PIA + general PC . Treatment on arrival . 
For consumption  (black pepper) : No restriction.  WT/ACC/COM/5  
- 14 - 
  SPECIES  PHYTOSANITARY REQUIREMENTS  
Rosaceae  Plant material : Prohibited from  regions of Asia (East of 60 ° 
longitude) . 
Fruit: PIA; PC + AD certifying that there is no fire blight ( Erwinia  
amylyvora ), virus disease s or serious nematodes in the production 
areas . Must originate from re gions free of San José  scale. 
Rose bush shoots : PIA; PC + AD certifying that the parent plants are 
free of  rose wilt and rose streak as well as the absence of  San José 
scale in the re gion. 
Rose seedlings : Special conditions set by the NPPO will apply . 
Saccharum  officinarum  
(sugar cane ) Plant material and  seed ( fuzz): Only official services . Quarant ine on 
arrival . Specific c onditions set by the  NPPO.  
Soil, compost, potting soil or other 
organic substrat es Prohibited,  except  for official services for research purpos es 
(PIA; PC + AD). 
Treatment in the count ry of export and on arrival . Specific c onditions 
prescribed by the  NPPO depending on specific requirement s. 
Vitis 
(grapes ) Plant material : Prohibited for the public ; authorized for official  services . 
Fruit: Same conditions as for fresh fruits . 
Zea mays  
(corn) Plant material : Prohibited . 
Seed (for planting or consumption) : Prohibited from the 
United  States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Italy , South -East and 
East Asia ( East of 60° longitude), Queensland and the Pacific Islands 
or other countries affected by  Stewart 's corn disease ( Erwinia  
stewartii ), by sugar cane downy mildew  – Peronosclerospora  
philipp inensis, Sclerospora  philippensis, P.  spontanea  and P. sacchari . 
From other countries : PIA; PC + AD specifying the absence of the 
above organisms and that su gar cane is not planted in the 
corn-producing regions.  
Zingiber officinale  
(ginger)  Plant material for planting or consumption : PIA; PC + AD certifying 
that the parent plants have been observed  during growth and are free 
of virus diseases and bacterial di seases, especially the ginger 
pathotype Ralstonia solanacearum  and major nematodes.  
 
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