Customs reinforces regulation on balloon importation |06 June 2023

The customs division of the Seychelles Revenue Commission is urging the public to strictly adhere to the regulations related to importation of balloons into the country.

To date, customs continues to encounter situations where balloons are being imported by post, carried by passengers in their hand or checked baggages 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.

From January to December 2022 a total of 58 packages of balloons identified in small packets and regular parcels were seized at the post office, whilst in the first quarter of this year a total of 15 packages have been seized of which the number is expected to increase throughout.

Joining the rest of the globe, to mark World Environment Day under the theme ‘Beat plastic solution’, the customs division is reminding the public that in line with 3.1165 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, vulcanised rubber and plastic balloons ‒ be it aluminised 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.

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