Live plants and customs in the Caribbean

[MBLittle]

Hey everyone. I guess the cliché way to start is "long time reader, first time poster." anywho...

I've read other posts about growing food and etc. on a boat being difficult and not worth the time and all that, so I'd rather not continue down that path.

One huge question I keep having pop into the head is "IF you grow anything on your boat, do you run into problems with customs?" Do you declare it, not declare it? Harvest it and toss it overboard before reaching the countries waters and start over next time.

To me, a plant growing on a boat that doesn't come to shore, woudn't be an issue. But maybe that's why I'm not a customs agent in the Bahamas, mon.

Would it really be a big hassle to have, say, a small Clementine tree growing in your stateroom?

Thoughts? Experience?

[Zanshin]

None of the forms I've seen when clearing into and out of countries in the Caribbean contain specific mention to plants. In some countries you fill out a ship's stores form but they are mainly asking about fuel, alcohol and tobacco products. If it doesn't go ashore then I wouldn't worry about it; unless it is a plant illegal in that country, in which case you'd get into trouble if they do decide to do a check (which I've never seen) or a security check (which does happen infrequently, so far once to me).

[boatman61]

I think the problems associated with plant life etc is mainly in the non-EU controlled areas of the Pacific..
In the Caribbean I think the only plant that would cause a fuss would be a Cannabis Plant...
Mainly from 'liberated' US cruisers...
Up in smoke...

[belizesailor]

Oh boy...I have lots of experience w this subject...my late wife collected plants everywhere we went...and then imported a few hundred more when we got settled!

Most plants are not an issue. Exceptions include citrus and orchids. For certain orchids you may need CITIES paperwork. Dont collect orchids from the wild ... you should not do this anyway and getting caught can land you in hot water in some countries.

The real issue for importing plants is the soil not the plant. This is where most pathogens live. But Ive never had this be an issue for onboard plants since they are presumably not going ashore.

Most Carib countries are not very concerned about your plants, but citrus producing countries tend to pay a little more attention.

[Blue Stocking]

If you are planning on coming to Bermuda, you will find our Customs form very investigative about all flora and fauna. The form specifically names seeds, soil, cuttings, etc. for question.

[MBLittle]

Wow guys! Thanks so much for the info!