In most cases, passengers can carry small quantities of fruit and vegetables for personal use, but certain types of plants, seedlings, seeds and plant products are subject to strict controls.
Many travelers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia and other European Union countries often carry domestic fruits and vegetables in their luggage, not knowing that there are rules and restrictions for certain types of products.
Unlike meat and dairy products, the import of fruit and vegetables into the European Union is not completely prohibited, but is subject to phytosanitary regulations aimed at preventing the spread of plant diseases and pests.
In most cases, passengers can carry small quantities of fruit and vegetables for personal use, but certain types of plants, seedlings, seeds and products of plant origin are subject to stricter controls and may require a phytosanitary certificate. GPMaljevac.com.
Special rules apply to seedlings, plants for planting, cuttings, soil, potatoes and certain types of citrus fruits.
Such products without appropriate documentation may be confiscated at the border.
When it comes to apples, pears, plums, cherries, peaches, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, onions and similar products for personal use, the competent authorities generally tolerate smaller quantities intended for their own needs, but officials always have the right to control and assess whether it is a commercial quantity.
If the border services suspect that the goods are being transferred for sale or if they are products that require additional documentation, the goods can be temporarily detained, confiscated or destroyed.
Penalties depend on the type of violation, the quantity of goods and the national regulations of the country of entry. In addition to confiscation of goods, passengers can also be held liable for misdemeanors and pay fines, which in some cases reach several hundred euros.
The biggest problem usually arises when travelers try to transport large quantities of fruits and vegetables without registration or when they transport seedlings, plants and other products that require special certificates.
