BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbadians bringing in their Christmas ham, turkey and other meats from overseas in their personal luggage are reminded that they must have a permit to do so.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services department, persons who are traveling and considering bringing meat or any other products of animal origin to Barbados in personal baggage should obtain a permit prior to the date of travel.
Possession of a valid permit entitles the holder to bring up to 25 lbs (11 kg) of meat and meat products into Barbados for their personal consumption.
Upon arrival at the port of entry, travelers MUST DECLARE all products of animal origin accompanying them to the Customs Officer, whether in checked baggage, hand luggage or on their person, before presenting them and the import permit, to an Agricultural Quarantine Officer for inspection.
Foods of animal origin include: Fresh, frozen or chilled cuts of meat or poultry; Cooked, smoked, cured, pickled, salted, dried or canned products (sausages, bacon, patties, spaghetti sauces and soups containing meat);
Pastries containing meat filling (patties, meat rolls, rotis, etc.); Dairy products including milk (powdered milk, baby formula) yogurt, cheeses; Eggs and egg products; Dry or moist pet foods containing poultry, beef, lamb or any other meat; Game animal trophies and Products made from feathers, skins, hair, antlers, horns, hooves and bones.
In light of the risk of importing serious diseases into Barbados, certain restrictions may be placed on the type of animal product or the country from which these products may be brought, depending on the country’s animal disease status. In this regard, persons should contact Veterinary Services to find out which meat and meat products may currently be brought into Barbados. The list changes periodically according to the animal disease status that exists in any specific country.
Travelers are also reminded that Section 3 of the declaration form (I am (We are) bringing: (a) fruits, plants, cut flowers, vegetables, soil, meat, live animals and organisms, honey, wildlife products, plant material, food, animal products or live birds) must be checked if these items are in their baggage.
Permits may be obtained from the Veterinary Services department, located in The Pine, St. Michael, between the hours of 8.30 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays).
Please note that under Section 26 of the Animals (Diseases and Importation Control) Regulation, importation of any product of animal origin without a permit or failure to declare any product of animal origin is illegal and will result in immediate confiscation of that product and possible prosecution.
For additional information persons may visit the Veterinary Services page of the Ministry of Agriculture’s website http://agriculture.gov.bb under the “Bringing Meat and Meat Products in Personal Luggage” section.
