Dubai: Quarantine authorities confiscated 20 fruit tree seedlings which was brought into the country through the Dubai International Airport.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Water, the move was meant to protect the country's soil from possible contamination and spread of agricultural pests that come from other countries.
The ministry said Article 17 of Ministerial Decree No 248 for 2003 prohibits the import of soil treated with certain pesticides for agriculture or botany.
The ministry stressed the need to comply with the conditions and mechanisms necessary for the import of consignments of agricultural, including seedlings and ornamental plants, fodder plants, seeds, and cut flowers, fertilisers and pesticides to minimise the introduction of pests and insects that may threaten the wealth of plants in the country and prevent the spread of agricultural pests.
