Quickly picked a few ripe mangoes for your friends at home? Not a good idea either. Because cactus and mangoes without a valid phytosanitary certificate will be confiscated and destroyed on arrival in Austria.

Strict import regulations apply to plants, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries (with the exception of Switzerland and Liechtenstein). There is a good reason for this: living plants, cut flowers, fruit, vegetables, seeds, cuttings, bulbs and all other plant parts can potentially bring pests or diseases to Austria that do not yet exist here. Once here, they can cause serious damage to gardens and agriculture.

Import is only permitted with a valid phytosanitary certificate. This is issued by the authorities of the country of origin. Probably a bit complicated for a holiday souvenir. It is therefore better to find out about the relevant regulations before travelling. Questions about import regulations can be answered by the team at the Official Plant Protection Service at pflanzenschutzdienst@baes.gv.at.

Or even better: just leave the little green cactus on your balcony.

More information:

FAQ on phytosanitary import controls and phytosanitary certificates