The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has issued detailed guidelines on the procedures required for importing plants, plant products and animals into the Maldives, as part of efforts to strengthen biosecurity and prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.

According to the Ministry, the inspection and quarantine process is intended to regulate the import of plants, plant parts and animals, ensure compliance with national laws and international agreements, and prevent the entry of unquarantined pests and diseases into the country.

The Ministry stated that all plants and plant parts, whether imported for agricultural, personal or commercial purposes, are subject to inspection unless exempted under the Trees Protection Act (Act No. 12/2011). Similarly, livestock and animal products may be inspected regardless of their intended use, provided they are not exempt under existing animal import regulations.

Importers are required to submit prior import notifications at least 24 hours before the arrival of goods. Notifications can be submitted either by email to the Plant and Animal Quarantine Unit or through the Agriculture Online System. The Ministry noted that failure to submit advance notification may result in delays during inspection.

For plants and plant parts, required documents include an import permit, a valid phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country, packing lists, invoices, airway bills or bills of lading, and breeding permits where applicable. Imports involving live animals must be accompanied by an import permit, a valid veterinary certificate, packing lists, invoices, transport documents, breeding permits where required, and additional documentation such as pet passports and vaccination records for pets and poultry.

The Ministry warned that consignments may be seized if documentation is incomplete or invalid, if prohibited species are imported, if quantities exceed approved limits, if false information is suspected, or if pests, diseases or soil contamination are detected. Seized items may be held for up to three days, excluding public holidays, during which importers may request re-export to the country of origin or disposal of the goods.

In cases involving live animals, owners are responsible for providing feed and water to quarantined animals, although access to quarantine facilities is restricted. The Ministry said it will not be liable for damage to seized goods, and importers will bear all costs associated with disposal or re-export.

The Ministry also outlined procedures for returning goods to their country of origin, noting that importers must submit the required request forms within the quarantine period and provide supporting documents, including travel or cargo booking confirmations.

Service hours for quarantine inspections vary depending on the point of entry, with passenger and cargo inspections at Velana International Airport operating from 8:00am to 11:30pm, and inspections at Malé Commercial Harbour conducted between 8:00am and 4:30pm.

The Ministry emphasised that phytosanitary and veterinary certificates must be issued by authorised agencies in exporting countries in line with international standards, including those set by the International Plant Protection Convention and the World Organisation for Animal Health.