PHILIPSBURG–The Inspectorate Department of Ministry Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA said it is aware that many may be traveling during the Christmas season and returning with food items, whether for personal or commercial use but, warns that anyone importing food products for human consumption must comply with set requirements. “Based on art 4 of the Public Health Decree (AB 2017 GT nr. 33) there are requirements to adhere to when importing food products for human consumption into the territory of St. Maarten,” VSA announced in a press release on Tuesday.
The Inspectorate said food products/goods should be free from contamination that would endanger public health. Foods products/goods that are intended for commercial use should be accompanied with a Health Certificate issued by the respective health authority in the country of origin/export, which shows that there is no contamination of these products, the release said. This includes items such as dairy products, fish and fishery products, poultry and poultry meat products, meat and meat products and baby food.
Food products/goods imported for human consumption which are not intended for sale should weigh 15kg or less. “The regular amount of 10kg has been increased and is only applicable from December 18, and will end on January 13, 2020,” the release said. There will be no need to submit an import notification form or to submit a health certificate, however, and all meats, fish and poultry should be properly sealed, stored and chilled on arrival.
Food products/goods imported for commercial sale or any products surpassing the weight of 15kg require a submitted import notification form to the Inspectorate VSA. A health certificate from the country of origin must be submitted as well and all meats, fish and poultry must be properly sealed, stored and chilled on arrival.
“These requirements are being strictly enforced at all points of entry into St. Maarten,” the release said. Persons are advised to avoid confiscation or 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 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 4:30pm. The form may be requested via e-mail: inspectoratevsa.sxm@gmail.com.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/93374-inspectorate-implements-regulations-for-importing-food-items-this-season
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