Kolkata, October 25, 2026

 

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Kolkata Customs intercepted and seized 220 live plants weighing approximately 17 kg from an international passenger arriving from Bangkok, Thailand, at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, on Saturday (October 24, 2026).

 

Acting on intelligence, Customs officers intercepted the passenger arriving on IndiGo Flight No. 6E-1058. During examination of the baggage, a trolley bag was found to contain live plants. The recovered consignment comprised 150 guava (Psidium spp.) plants, 20 jamun (Syzygium spp.) plants and 50 Caladium spp. plants.

 

The consignment was examined by the competent plant quarantine authority, which found that the plants had been imported without a valid import permit or phytosanitary certificate, as required under the applicable plant quarantine regulations.

 

Accordingly, the Plant Quarantine Authority issued a deportation/destruction order, directing deportation of the consignment within the prescribed period, failing which, the plants would be destroyed in accordance with the applicable provisions. The goods were seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and further proceedings were initiated in accordance with law.

 

Kolkata Customs has advised international passengers not to carry live plants, saplings, cuttings, seeds, bulbs, roots or other plant materials in their check-in baggage, cabin baggage or personal belongings unless their import is legally permissible and all prescribed requirements have been fulfilled.

 

Plants and plant materials are subject to applicable plant quarantine regulations and must not be treated as ordinary baggage items. Depending on their nature and origin, a valid import permit, phytosanitary certificate and other prescribed documents may be required.

 

Carrying such materials without the necessary documentation may lead to detention, seizure, deportation or destruction of the consignment, along with other action permissible under the law. Passengers are advised to verify admissibility and applicable import requirements with the competent Plant Quarantine Authority and Customs authorities before travelling, including when the plants are purchased abroad, received as gifts or intended for personal gardening.

 

The unauthorised introduction of plants and plant materials may pose risks to agriculture, horticulture and the environment by facilitating the entry of foreign pests, plant diseases and invasive species.

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SS/S Saha/KOL/25.10.2026

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