FAQ for Plant Biosecurity & Plant Germplasm and Quality control Section
- Are there any restrictions on exporting plants or plant products?
Yes, exporting certain plants or plant products may be restricted or prohibited to protect biodiversity, prevent the spread of invasive species, or comply with the requirements of the importing country. - What is a phytosanitary certificate?
A phytosanitary certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country, certifying that the plants or plant products meet the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country and are free from pests and diseases. - What are the penalties for non-compliance with import/export regulations?
Penalties for non-compliance can vary but may include fines, confiscation of goods, or legal action. It’s crucial to adhere to regulations to avoid these consequences. - Do we need an import permit for the import of soil?
Yes, soil is the main source for carrying plant pests and diseases including nematodes. - What is the purpose of quarantine measures for imported plants?
Quarantine measures are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases that could harm native plants, agriculture, and the environment of the importing country. - Which plant species are banned for import?
Eucalyptus species, Populus Spp, Thujia spp, Cuppressus Marcocarpa and Crytomeria japonica. - What is Seed Certification?
It is the process of certifying seeds and seedlings after inspection at different stages of plant growth as per the Minimum seed standard of Bhutan 2019. (https://www.bafra.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Minimum-Seed-standards-of-Bhutan-2019.pdf) - What is the purpose of Seed Certification?
The purpose of seed certification is to ensure the quality, purity, authenticity of seeds, traceability and consumer confidence as well as to help in market access. - Is it mandatory to register a seed-producing nursery?
Yes, all farms involved in the commercial sale of seeds and seedlings must register with BFDA and get their seeds/seedlings certified prior to sale or distribution. It involved inspection at the seed growing sites usually three inspections in critical growth stages are conducted.
Requirements;
a. For nursery registration
  – Technical Clearance from the department.
  – Site details.
b. for seed certification
  – Trade license.
  – Cropping calendar.
The inspection depends on the season, type of crops and cropping calendar. - What quarantine treatments are required for certain plants or plant products?
Wood packaging materials and timbers imported should be accompanied by heat treatment certificate/fumigation certificate - Are there any quarantine pests or diseases that I should be particularly cautious about when importing plants?
Yes, kindly check the Plant Quarantine Pest Database in the BFDA Website (list attac)Drop this FAQ as there is No link and the list is yet to be updated.
What are the regulations and permits required for transporting plants and plant products within the country?
Unless a quarantine zone has been established or a plant with quarantine pest is notified, no permit shall be required. However, for the above two cases, visit the nearest BFDA office and process for in-country movement permits. All plant and plant products on transit via foreign routes should be compulsorily accompanied by the in-country movement permit.Can you provide information on the quarantine zones or restricted areas that affect the movement of certain plants?
Gyelposhing, Mongar due to the Giant African Land Snail (GALS) outbreak. Citrus due to citrus greening.
1. a. How can I get an import permit for a plant and its products for personal consumption and how much is the fee?
– Apply to the nearest BFDA office to get a personal import permit. The fee is Nu. 100.
b. How can I get an import permit for a plant and its products for commercial use and how much is the fee?
– Apply to the nearest BFDA office for a commercial import permit, the applicant should submit a valid trade license and for individual a copy of CID. The fee is Nu. 300.Can I bring cut flowers into the country?
Yes, after obtaining import permit from the nearest BFDA office
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FAQ for Veterinary Public Health & Biosecurity Section
- Â Can I bring my pets into Bhutan?
Yes, you can bring your pet into Bhutan, but you must obtain an import permit from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority prior to arrival. - What documents do I need to import my pet?
You will need a valid import permit issued by BFDA,
– a zoo-sanitary certificate signed by the official veterinarian in the exporting country,
– proof of vaccination for your pet and Pet registration card duly authorized by the government veterinarian of the exporting country.
– Import application form can be obtained from the BFDA website. (www.bafra.gov.bt) - Are there any restrictions for the import of pets?
Yes, the animal must not be more than 42 days pregnant at the date of departure. Animals must be weaned. In the case of any animals accompanied by their mother, the animals must be at least 6 weeks old at the date of departure. The conditions prescribed in the ” Bhutan Animal Health code for the import of animals must be fulfilled.
(https://www.bafra.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Protocol-for-import-of-pet-dogs-and-cats.pdf)
How long does it take to get import authorization/permit?
The application for an import permit should reach the office of BFDA at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date of entry of pets into Bhutan.Can I bring my pet on a flight?
Yes, you can bring your pet on a flight, but you must comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Import authorization must be obtained before any animals are imported into the country.
IATA standards are:
https://www.iata.org/contentassets/d7c512eb9a704ba2a8056e3186a31921/lar-50-en_lar_acceptance_checklist_cargo.pdf
https://www.iata.org/contentassets/d7c512eb9a704ba2a8056e3186a31921/lar-50-en_lar_acceptance_checklist_in-cabin.pdf- Do I need to quarantine my pet upon arrival in Bhutan?
Pets may be subject to quarantine upon arrival in Bhutan, depending on the health and vaccination status of the pet. However, if all the prerequisite conditions are fulfilled, the pet must be home-quarantined for 15 days if the pets are for personal purposes. However, import of pets for commercial purposes shall be quarantined at the designated quarantine station for the period of 15 days at the expenses of the importer. - Can I gift pets to the person residing in Bhutan?
Yes, if you wish not to take back, however, it should be notified to the nearest office of BFDA under which circumstance, they will be placed under observation for a certain period. - Can I apply for a permit online?
Yes, you can apply for an import permit online through the BFDA, BBFSS Â ( https://bbfss.bafra.gov.bt/ )
- Do I need a permit for live animals and livestock products?
Yes, you need to obtain an in-country movement permit from the BFDA office to travel from one Dzongkhag to another Dzongkhag. - Why do I need an in-country movement permit for live animals and animal products?
The permit ensures that the movement of animals and animal products complies with regulations and helps to prevent the spread of diseases. - What information do I need to provide when applying for an in-country movement permit?
You will need to provide details such as the type and number of animals or animal products, the origin and destination of the movement, the purpose of the movement, and the mode of transportation. Moreover, you need proof of ownership from the local government and a zoo- sanitary certificate from the Department of Livestock. - What are the documents required for applying for an in-country movement permit?
You will need to provide an authentication letter from the local government and a health certificate from the veterinarian. - Can I apply for an in-country movement permit online?
Yes, you can but for physical inspection and to verify fulfillments of sanitary requirements you will need to visit the nearest BFDA office. - How far in advance should I apply for an in-country movement permit?
You must submit the application one week before the movement of the consignment. - Is there a fee for an in-country movement permit?
Yes, Nu . 20 for in- country movement permits of live animals and its products. - What are the consequences of not having an in-country movement permit?
In the event of non-compliance, the consignment may be subjected to necessary treatment at the cost of the applicant. And also, dealt accordingly as per the Livestock rules and Regulation of Bhutan, 2017. https://www.globalanimallaw.org/downloads/database/national/bhutan/Livestock-Rules-and-Regulations-of-Bhutan-2017.pdf - Do I have to declare a permit at the check post?
Yes, the consignment must be accompanied by the movement permit and must be declared at all internal checkpoints.
- Can I export animals and its products?
Yes, you can export animals and its products, BFDA examines and tests export consignments of animals and animal products and issues certificates as per the requirements of the importing country. You need export authorization from the BFDA offices. - Do I Have to declare consignment at the BFDA office?
Yes, based on the requirements of the importing country, the consignment may be subject to physical conformity inspection and laboratory analysis. - Is there a fee associated with the export of consignments?
Yes, the exporter may be charged with a nominal fee. For commercial purpose Nu. 300 and for individual Nu.100 - What documents do I need for registration on exporting animals?
For exporting any animal or animal products must submit an application in the prescribed format to the nearest BFDA office along with a copy of the CID of the exporter or a copy of a valid export license and where applicable, a copy of the import permit issued by the importing country.
- Can I bring livestock products into Bhutan?
Yes, you can bring livestock products into Bhutan, but you must obtain an import permit from the BFDA prior to arrival. For supply of any fresh Livestock products, the exporting company of the country must be registered with the BFDA. - What types of processed livestock products can be imported?Processed livestock products that can be imported include meat products, dairy products, and other processed goods derived from livestock.
Sl.no | Name | Weight |
1 | Chicken Nugget | 1-2 kg |
2 | Chicken Pop | 1-2kg |
3 | Chicken sheek | 1-2kg |
4 | Chicken salami | 1-2kg |
5 | Chicken Ham | 1-2kg |
6 | Bacon | 1-2kg |
7 | Ham | 1-2kg |
8 | Pork ribs | 1-2kg |
9 | Pork boneless leg | 1-2kg |
10 | Whole Chicken | 1.5 kg |
11 | Whole Chicken | 1.3 kg |
12 | Whole Chicken | 1.2 kg |
13 | BEEF HQ | 1-2kg |
14 | Beef tenderloin | 1-2kg |
15 | Beef Minced | 1-2kg |
16 | Chicken leg boneless | 450gms |
17 | Chicken Curry cut | 450gms |
18 | Chicken Drum stick | 450gms |
19 | Chicken Lollipop | 450gms |
20 | Chicken Minced | 450gms |
21 | Chicken Liver | 450gms |
22 | Chicken Gizzard | 450gms |
23 | Chicken Wings | 1-2kg |
24 | Chicken boneless leg | 1-2kg |
25 | Chicken Breast | 450gms |
26 | Chicken Whole leg | 450gms |
27 | Chicken sausage plain | 450gms |
28 | Frozen Whole chicken | 1300gm |
29 | Frozen Whole chicken skin | 1400gms |
30 | Frozen Whole chicken skin | 1500gms |
31 | Frozen Chicken Boneless Breast | 2kg |
32 | Frozen Chicken Boneless Leg | 2kg |
33 | Frozen Chicken Drumstick skin | 2kg |
34 | Frozen Chicken Lollipop | 2kg |
35 | Frozen Chicken Minced meat | 2kg |
36 | Frozen Chicken Wings | 2kg |
37 | Marinated Frozen Chicken Drumstick skinless | 2kg |
38 | Marinated Frozen Chicken Lolipop | 2kg |
39 | Frozen Chicken breakfast Sausage | 1kg |
40 | Frozen chicken Cocktail sausage | 1kg |
41 | Breakfast sausage | 500gms |
42 | Garlic Sausage | 500gms |
43 | Chicken sausage plain | 500gms |
44 | Ham sausage | 500gms |
45 | Smoked pork sausage | 500gms |
46 | Veal sausagePremium Backn | 500gms |
47 | Breakfast Strip | 500gms |
48 | bacon Strip | 500gms |
49 | Smoke Round Ham Streak | 500gms |
50 | Mini cocktail roll Bacon | 500gms |
51 | Cocktail roll Bacon | 500gms |
52 | Ham | 500gms |
53 | Roll Bacon | 500gms |
54 | Scrap Bacon | 500gms |
55 | Round Bacon | 500gms |
56 | Smoked ell | 150gm |
57 | Frozen Boneless Buffalo Hind Quarter meat | 2kg |
58 | Frozen Boneless Buffalo Tenderlion | 2kg |
59 | Frozen Boneless Buffalo Mins | 2kg |
60 | Frozen Bonless Buffalo Honey comb | 2kg |
61 | Frozen Boneless Bufallo Currycut | 2kg |
62 | Frozen Peeled & devained Tail on Vanname Shrimps | 2kg |
63 | Chicken cheese and Onion | 500gms |
64 | Chicken Smoked franks | 500gms |
65 | Chicken new sausage | 500gms |
66 | Chicken Salami | 500gms |
67 | Chicken spring roll | 500gms |
68 | Pork belly | 500gms |
69 | Pork shoulder | 500gms |
70 | Pork Spiribs | 500gms |
71 | Pork boneless leg | 500gms |
- What documents do I need for the import of livestock products?
You will need a valid import permit issued by BFDA, a health certificate for the processed livestock products issued by a relevant authority of the exporting country. - When should I apply for an import permit for livestock products?
It is advisable to apply for an import permit at least 2 weeks before your intended date of travel to allow for processing. - Do I need to declare the products upon arrival in Bhutan?
Yes, you will need to declare the products upon arrival in Bhutan and present the necessary permits and documentation. - Can I apply for an import permit online?
Yes, you can apply for an import permit online through the BAFRA BBFSS website.
https://bbfss.bafra.gov.bt/ - Are there any fees associated with importing processed and livestock products into Bhutan?
Yes, there are fees associated with importing livestock products into Bhutan. For commercial purposes Nu.300 and Nu. 100 for self consumption. - Where do I get more information?You can either email it to bfdahead@gmail.com or contact +975-02-327031 or call 1555 (toll free)