Inspectorate issues Import Requirements on Food Products during the Holidays | SOUALIGA NEWSDAY

December 17, 2019

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – The Inspectorate VSA (Public Health, Social Development & Labour) is aware that many persons will be leaving the island and bring back food products upon return, either for personal or commercial purposes.

Those that are importing food products for human consumption must take the following into consideration and comply with the requirements:

Based on art 4 of the Public Health Decree (AB 2017 GT nr. 33) the following is required when importing food products for human consumption into the territory of Sint Maarten:

The goods are free from contamination and do not otherwise endanger public health;

The goods shall not be prohibited from manufacturing, importing, holding, making available to another, applying or editing, in the European Union, the United States of America or the country of origin.

The following categories of goods, if intended for commercial use, shall be accompanied upon import into the territory by a Health Certificate issued by the competent health authority in the country of origin/export, which shows that there is no contamination of these goods:

dairy products;

fish and fishery products;

poultry meat and poultry meat products;

meat and meat products; and,

baby food.

Personal use: the food products for human consumption are imported by an adult person, not intended for sale and weigh 15 kg or less. The regular amount of 10 kg has been increased and is only applicable from December 18, 2019 and will end on January 13, 2020.

No need to submit an import notification form

No need to submit a health certificate

All meats, fish and poultry need to be properly sealed, stored and chilled upon arrival.

Commercial use: any amount surpassing 15 kg a/o intended for sale

An import notification form has to be submitted at the Inspectorate VSA

A health certificate from the country of origin must be submitted

All meats, fish and poultry need to be properly sealed, stored and chilled upon arrival.

These requirements are being strictly enforced at all points of entry into St. Maarten. Avoid confiscation/ destruction of merchandise.

The notification form is available at the Inspectorate on W.G. Buncamper Road # 33 Vineyard Office Park, above the tax office from Monday to Friday 8:30 to 12:30 and 1:30 to 4:30. You can also request the form via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Source: Souliga Newsday https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com-k2&view=item&id=28875:inspectorate-issues-import-requirements-on-food-products-during-the-holidays&Itemid=450