1. The import of plants and plant materials is regulated by AVA Quarantine & Inspection Department, Import & Export Regulation Division (IERD), Animal & Plant Section (Plant) which also regulates the import and export of endangered plants, microorganisms and live insects of agriculture importance ie those that will have an impact on plant health. 

2. Plants and plant materials include live plants, cuttings, foliages, flower and vegetable seeds, fertilisers of plant base origin and potting medium such as soil, peat moss, sphagnum moss, coco husk etc. Endangered plants and live insects of agricultural importance, are species defined under the Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES). The names of these protected species are available from the following website: http://www.cites.org. Prior to the import of plant base organic fertilizers, live insects and microorganisms, importers are required to provide information to AVA for an evaluation before import can be approved. Please refer to our webpage www.ava.gov.sg for the information needed.

3. The following are basic procedures that you need to follow if you want to import plants or regulated materials from overseas including West Malaysia:

    • You need to know what are the import health requirements for the plants/plant products that you intend to import. The list of requirements including trade on CITES listed species can be found at our web page: www.ava.gov.sg. This is in accordance with the Control of Plants (Plant Importation) (Amendment) Rules 2005 and the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act 1989.  
    • All the imported plants and plant materials must be free from the pests that are listed under the First Schedule of the Rules 
    • Import of plants, plant products and other regulated materials listed under the Second Schedule require an Import Permit from AVA which is subject to the following conditions: 
        -  Phytosanitary Certificate and/or other certification as listed under the import health requirements from the country of origin of the imported plants and regulated materials; and 
        -  Post entry inspections and/or treatment on the imported plants and regulated materials

4. The import permit will cost $11 per consignment or importation.

5. The details of the regulated pests, plants, plant products and other materials are listed in the various Schedules of the Rules. If you need more information, please contact IERD, Animal and Plant Section – Plant at Tel: 67519815 or Email: phytosanitary@ava.gov.sg

6. Exemption of phytosanitary certificate for plants and plant products imported by travellers from West Malaysia
    • Plants (except CITES listed species) - 3 nos. without potting medium per passenger or private car 
    • Seeds - 250 grams per passenger or private car.


Refer to link for list of AVA (Plant Health) product codes.