The Customs Division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission is urging the general public to strictly adhere to the regulations related to importation of balloons into the Seychelles.
To date, Customs continues to encounter situations where balloons are being imported by post, carried by passengers in their hand or checked baggage’s’ or imported through courier. Balloons have also been identified concealed in goods at the point of entry into the country during the physical examination conducted by Customs Officers.
Compared to January-May 2022 where a total of 18 packages of balloons were seized at the post office, this year during the same period a total of 15 packages have been seized either in small packets or regular parcels.
Joining the rest of the globe to mark World Environment Day under the theme beat plastic solution, the Customs Division is reminding the general public that in line with S.I 165 of 2020 the ban on importation of balloons which was imposed in September 2021 is still in force.
Classified as prohibited goods, under the Customs Management (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) (Amendment) (NO.3) Regulations, 2020, any forms of biodegradable, vulcanized rubber and plastic balloons – be it aluminized or latex balloons, including those with toys are not allowed entry into the Seychelles for either commercial or personal use.
Importers and individuals are therefore being advised to join the bandwagon in protecting the Seychelles ecosystem by refraining from importing balloons into the Seychelles as these prohibited goods will be seized and destroyed by Customs at all points entry.