Import of lime leaves
Imports of fresh lime leaves (sometimes called Kaffir
lime - the leaves of Citrus hystrix) as well as other citrus leaves
and citrus plants are banned from non-EC countries by Plant Health legislation
because of the threat the pests and diseases they have been found to carry
would pose, principally to citrus production in the south of the European
Community. Some of the pests found could also threaten glasshouse production
of various plants in this country. Intercepted consignments of lime leaves
have been found to contain ants and spiders; these could threaten biodiversity
in this country. Defra have asked the European Commission to consider
a derogation (an exemption) from the ban which would allow the import
of leaves under controlled conditions. However, such an arrangement would
be dependent on the identification of a satisfactory pre-export treatment
that could be applied to reduce the risks of pests and diseases entering.
Such a treatment has yet to be identified.
Frozen or dried lime leaves are not restricted. Additionally, English-grown
supplies are becoming available - details can be searched for on
the internet (choose a search engine eg. Google, Yahoo - select UK only
search - enter 'lime leaves').
Page last modified:
3 Nov 2006
Page published: 21 Jul 2003