ePermitting for Imports

Starting September 1st, 2024 The Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) is transitioning all agri-import permits from Mygateway to Customs Click2Clear. Experience more efficient experience in applying for plant, animal, or food import permits.

If you haven't already you must first register with Click2Clear at http://www.click2clear.gov.bs/. Next, learn the process at www.bahfsabahamas.com.

Contact our helpdesk at [email protected] or 1-242-424-1826 for more information.

In this new system you will now need to be able to link a particular commodity to an HS Code in the system. Use the button below to access a reference list for the HS Codes.

Download HS Code Schedule

In order to submit a request for a permit follow the instructions in this User Guide or watch the tutorial.

Download User Guide

To ensure that plants and plant products are being procured from reputable sources and from approved countries of export, we would like importers to know that with immediate effect, they must submit a Proforma invoice for all applications for plants and plant products. Additionally, to safeguard the agricultural sector and the environment from the inadvertent introduction of pests associated with citrus fruits, proof of source/place of production (i.e. country, state/county) must also be provided prior to approval for those importers that have not already done so. The importation of citrus from Florida is strictly PROHIBITED!!

*Only certified disease-free tissue culture Musa spp. plants are permitted entry."

In order to submit a request for a permit follow the instructions in this User Guide or watch the tutorial.

Download Cattle/Beef Import Permit User Guide

In order to submit a request for a permit follow the instructions in this User Guide or watch the tutorial.

Download Cats and Dogs User Guide

Download Companion Bird User Guide

The importation of plants and plant products from all countries of origin present a potential phytosanitary threat to the Bahamas’ agricultural industry, environment and economy. Trade in plants and plant products is a direct pathway by which numerous pests can be introduced and spread throughout the country. Plant pests may also be transported indirectly through materials commonly associated with plants for planting such as soil, soil-related matter, soilless growing media, and wooden articles.

As requests for the importation of such commodities from a large number of new trading partners have increased, the pest risk associated with these new pathways must be evaluated before Permits to Import are issued.

The Plant Protection Unit (PPU) of the Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA), the National Plant Protection Organization of the Bahamas (NPPO), wishes to advise all Importers or plants and plant products of the following Policy with immediate effect.

All imports of plants and plant products from new trading partners must undergo a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) process and the establishment of phytosanitary import requirements from all countries of export. During the PRA process, the PPU communicates directly with the NPPO of the country of export in order to seek their commitment to provide the necessary technical information. The PRA may be placed on hold if the NPPO does not provide the required information in a timely manner.

Timelines for the completion of PRAs vary and may take from a few weeks up to a few years depending on a number of factors including the availability of information and the NPPO’s engagement.

*Conducting a PRA however, does not guarantee that the importation will be permitted, as the pest risk may not be adequately mitigated using available phytosanitary measures. PRA requests are reviewed and prioritized when they are received. The applicant requesting the PRA will be required to complete an application to help PPU evaluate the priority of the request.

Purpose

To safeguard the agricultural and natural ecosystems of The Bahamas from the introduction and spread of plant pests, the Plant Protection Unit (PPU) of BAHFSA mandates with immediate effect that a Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) be conducted for the importation of all live plants that bear edible fruits or nuts, and/or live plants that bear fruits or nuts capable of propagation.

Scope

This policy applies to all importers, distributors, and individuals seeking to import live plants into The Bahamas that fall under the following categories:

1. Live plants that bear edible fruits or nuts.
2. Live plants that bear fruits or nuts capable of propagation.

Requirements

Pest Risk Analysis (PRA):

• A PRA must be conducted by the PPU prior to the importation of any live plant that meets the criteria outlined in this policy.
• The PRA will assess the potential risks associated with the introduction of pests, or invasive species that could harm Bahamian agriculture, ecosystems, or biodiversity.

List of Regulated Plant Scientific and Common Names:

The PPU will maintain and regularly update a list of live plants frequently imported that require a PRA. This list will be made available to importers and the public.

Documentation and Permits:

Importers must submit a completed PRA application form along with supporting documentation, including the scientific name, origin, and intended use of the plant. A valid import permit issued by BAHFSA will be required for all shipments of plants and plant products.

Maintenance of PRA Records:

The PPU will maintain a centralized database of all PRAs conducted, including the results and any conditions or restrictions imposed on the importation of specific plants.

Compliance and Enforcement:

Failure to comply with this policy will result in the denial of entry for the shipment, confiscation of the plants, and potential penalties as outlined in the Bahamas Plant Protection Act.

List of Plant Scientific and Common Names that requires a PRA

The following is a non-exhaustive list of plant genera and common names that frequently require a PRA for importation into The Bahamas:

Scientific Name / Common Name
Citrus spp. / Orange, Grapefruit, Lime, Lemon Mangifera indica / Mango
Persea americana / Avocado
*Musa spp. / Banana, Plantain *only certified disease-free tissue culture plants permitted entry
Ananas comosus / Pineapple
Psidium guajava / Guava
Carica papaya / Papaya
Annona spp. / Sugar Apple, Soursop
Artocarpus spp. / Breadfruit, Jackfruit
Prunus spp. / Cherry, Plum, Peach
Theobromacacao / Cocoa, Cacao
Selenicereus spp. / Dragon fruit
Sapindaceaefamily / Lychee, Longan, Pitomba, Guinep, Korlan, Rambutan, Pulasan, Ackee.
Malpighiaemarginata / Barbados Cherry
Morus Spp. / Mulberry
Passiflora edulis / Passion fruit
Tamarindus indica / Tamarind
Punica granatum / Pomegranate
Pimenta dioica / Allspice