Applicants intending to import coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) must complete the Plant and Plant Parts Import Application Form and submit it to the Ministry at least seven (7) working days prior to the proposed import date.

The application will only be processed if:

- The scientific name (genus and species) is correctly stated; and

- The exact number of coconut palms intended for import is specified.

The application must be accompanied by a laboratory report issued by:

- An accredited laboratory with a scope covering plant pathology, or

- A laboratory recognized by the exporting country’s National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO).

The laboratory report must verify that the coconut palm plantation in the exporting country is free from the following diseases:

- Lethal Yellowing Disease

- Bud Rot

- Root Rot

- Cadang-Cadang

Special condition for Imports from India:

For coconut palms intended to import from India, the laboratory report must verify that the coconut palntation is free from Bud Rot and Root Rot only. A list of laboratories capable of conducting these tests (including Plant Quarantine Station laboratories, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and State Agricultural Universities) as provided by the Indian NPPO is available on the Ministry website.

When importing live plants or plant parts:

- The plants or plant parts must be free from soil, and

- Must not show any dried-out or desiccated areas.

Upon arrival of the shipment in the Maldives, the importer must submit the following to the quarantine officer:

- A copy of the approved plant import permit, and

- An original phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s NPPO.

The phytosanitary certificate must declare that the coconut palms or plant parts are free from:

- Coconut Black-Headed Caterpillar (Opisina arenosella), and

- Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus).

Failure to submit the original phytosanitary certificate will result in detention of the shipment.

Plants and plant parts may only be imported into the Maldives through the following designated entry points:

- Velana International Airport, or

- Malé Commercial Harbor

For additional information or clarification regarding coconut palm import procedures, please contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare.