The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare has announced that 2,000 individuals have so far been granted special permission to import plants, shrubs, and plant products into the Maldives, underscoring the nation's stringent regulatory framework for plant imports.
All such imports necessitate a special permit issued by the Ministry, which can be requested conveniently through the online ‘Makudi’ portal.
In a focused effort to prevent the spread of pests, the Ministry has also authorised the movement of plants and plant products between islands, with 28 permits issued specifically for islands declared free of the Hispid beetle. This measure highlights the critical importance placed on protecting local ecosystems from invasive species.
Beyond individual permits, the Ministry detailed broader commercial activities within the sector. Three companies have been approved for the export of palm trees, while another three companies have received permission for the importation of trees and tree products on a larger scale. Additionally, 1,057 companies have been granted permits for the import of various agricultural chemicals and pesticides, essential for farming practices.
Official statistics reveal the significant volume of plant material entering the country. Between January and April this year, a total of 3,869,648 plants, shrubs, and plant products were imported from abroad across 405 separate shipments.
To safeguard national biosecurity, the Ministry reiterated strict guidelines for both imports and exports. Plants and plant parts destined for export from the Maldives require a phyto-sanitary certificate. Conversely, all imports of herbs, plant, products, and other regulated materials must be accompanied by a phyto-sanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the exporting country, in strict adherence to the Plant Protection Act.
The Ministry further stressed that it is explicitly prohibited to cultivate, possess, sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver any plants, plant products, or regulated articles known to be infected with a quarantinable pest.