Samoa lifts suspension of import of cut flowers, but not nursery stock and planting materials

The Samoa Government has confirmed lifting the suspension of import permits for cut flowers from American Samoa.

A statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries/Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment states that American Samoa has contained and controlled through treatment measures the presence and spread of Little Fire Ants in the territory.

According to the statement, the suspension of import permits for nursery stock and planting materials from American Samoa remains.

Further, the rest of the import permits for Hawaii and other countries with LFA remains in effect. All importers must adhere to the following preventive conditions to prevent the LFA from entering Samoa’s borders.

Apply for a permit to import cut flowers from the Quarantine Division.

Before import, each consignment must be treated, inspected and certified by the American Samoa Department of Agriculture-Plant & Quarantine Service.

“Each consignment must be secured (i.e. made insect-proof) before shipment by one of the following methods. "Also, all consignments will be subjected to Quarantine procedural inspection upon arrival into Samoa.

"If live insects of quarantine concern are detected, the consignment will require treatment, re-exported or disposed of at the importer’s expense.”