EU has updated their plant health rules and the regulations entered into force before Christmas last year.
You can read more about them here: https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/plant_health_biosecurity/legislation/new_eu_rules_en But the short version is that you are now not allowed to bring any fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, living plants or fresh plant parts to the EU. Except pineapples, coconuts, durians, bananas and dates.
Does this mean that the customs desks in the EU will now actually stop and check bags? Or have dog sniffers? I doubt it.
It will probably be done the same way it is done today. I.e. bags are checked with x-ray and/or sniffer dogs behind the scenes and people with suspicious looking bags can be stopped if they choose the green lane.
Does this mean that the customs desks in the EU will now actually stop and check bags? Or have dog sniffers? I doubt it.
There is much that goes on behind the scenes at airports that people have no idea of. Just because the majority of the time you can saunter through the 'Nothing to Declare' doors it doesn't mean that no-one is monitoring and actively checking passengers and luggage.
durians
So glad that I can continue to bring my durians to Europe!
Of all the things to allow!!!
Surprised it's taken so long. In 2005 I had my "Bucky Neck Pillow" confiscated in Australia. I watched them pour out the Buckwheat Hulls. When I returned home Bucky offered to refill the contents. I have since used it domestically at times.
Boris, please pretty please, keep in the EU agricultural goods system. Imagine the chaos if they banned fruit at St Pancras station, with a good proportion of Eurostar travellers taking food to eat on the train (apples, oranges, . . ).
Sorry if that breaks the no-political post rules.
Ugh. Durians. They don't need sniffer dogs to know when these are being brought in.
Does this mean that the customs desks in the EU will now actually stop and check bags? Or have dog sniffers? I doubt it.
The EU/EEA/CH is a rule based operation, it will be apply the rules as specified, to expect otherwise may lead to some nasty surprises.
Chris F, I don't see your post as political but more a warning about taking fruit on the Eurostar.
Ah, durian on aircraft:
The crew reportedly tried to clear the smell from the cabin but it persisted, forcing the pilot to declare ‘Pan Pan’, the second highest level of emergency used in situations that are serious but not life-threatening.
Not only were they forced to turn back after 37 minutes of departure, the pilots also had to wear oxygen masks.
I’ve never had nasty surprises nor any evidence that my bags were inspected.
Ugh. Durians. They don't need sniffer dogs to know when these are being brought in.
I just returned from a trip to Thailand. It seems that this year the Durian season there came early (blame climate change), they were in shops and on the street everywhere. The early availability of ripe Durians was actually front page news in the country's leading newspaper one day(!).
I saw posters up at the entries to the Bangkok subway system warning people that Durians were banned.
I just returned from a trip to Thailand. It seems that this year the
Durian season there came early
David. I laughed when I read your post, because we were in Thailand at the end of Jan last year. We did a market/street food tour in Bangkok one night and our tour guide dared us to try a taste. Those who did said it tasted like it smelled. I passed on the offer.
@CJean - on my first day there, I did have a bit of fresh durian. It was actually OK. I've had it before, generally not crazy about it, but this time - very fresh, early season - it was actually pretty good: sweet, creamy (like a good avacado), not really stinky. A few days later I was offered some more and that was really foul-smelling, I declined. So if it's new and very fresh, maybe not bad. But later...only for the dedicated!
