Plants and seeds need a phytosanitary certificate.
- From outside the EU, plants, plant products and seeds need a phytosanitary certificate.
- Exception: fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date.
- Between EU countries: plants grown in the EU and free from pests or disease.
Entering the EU from a non-EU country, the European Commission says it is prohibited to bring plants, plant products and other objects in personal luggage unless a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate accompanies them: that includes plants to be planted, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers, and seeds for non-commercial use are only allowed with a phytosanitary certificate. No certificate is needed for fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date. Between EU countries the rules cover plants and plant products grown in an EU country and free from pests or disease.
🌱 Plants and seeds: what the EU says
From the European Commission, Your Europe (last checked 23/12/2025) and EFSA (reviewed 17 July 2025).
| Item | Official EU rule |
|---|---|
| Plants for planting, cut flowers, other plants and plant products | Prohibited in personal luggage unless a phytosanitary certificate accompanies them |
| Seeds for non-commercial use | Only allowed with a phytosanitary certificate (a permit from the EU or a certificate issued by the country of origin) |
| Fruit and vegetables | Phytosanitary certificate needed, except fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date; Your Europe also says you can bring a limited quantity of fruit and vegetables, without giving an amount |
| Between EU countries | Plants and plant products grown in an EU country, free from pests or disease |
| Who issues the certificate | The plant protection authority of the country you bring the plants from |
- Bulbs and cuttings: the pages we read do not list bulbs or cuttings separately; EFSA treats parts of a plant (leaves, twigs, roots) as plants and plant products.
- Posted seeds: the Commission warns that seed packages ordered online and sent by post were misdeclared and lacked the required certificate.
- Leaving the EU: EFSA advises leaving plants and plant products behind.
- Exact list: Annex XI of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072.
🌍 Country pages
Every EU member state applies this rule. Open your country for its own page.
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Cyprus
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Sweden❓ Quick answers
Can I bring seeds into the EU?
From a non-EU country, seeds for non-commercial purposes are only allowed into the EU when accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate, according to the European Commission.
Can I bring plants into the EU in my luggage?
Not unless a phytosanitary certificate accompanies them: the Commission says it is prohibited to introduce plants, plant products and other objects without one, including plants to be planted, fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.
Can I bring plants or seeds between EU countries?
Your Europe covers plants and plant products, such as cut flowers, fruit or vegetables, grown in an EU country and free from pests or disease; localised pest outbreaks can restrict the type and amount.
Which fruit does not need a certificate to enter the EU?
Fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date need no phytosanitary certificate, according to the Commission.
Source: European Commission, Your Europe and EFSA. Read 8 October 2026. Confirm with the customs authority of the EU country you enter before you travel.