Panama Imposes New Phytosanitary Rules for Christmas Trees and Grapes

Panama is tightening its agricultural import controls by establishing new phytosanitary requirements for Christmas trees from the United States and fresh grapes from Egypt. The National Directorate of Vegetal Health (DNSV) of the Ministry of Agricultural Development issued resolutions detailing these measures, designed to safeguard the country's agricultural sector from invasive pests and diseases.

For Christmas trees, specifically Abies spp. from North Carolina and Oregon, importers must now secure a valid phytosanitary and zoosanitary import license and a certificate from the exporting country's National Plant Protection Organization. The trees must arrive free of soil, packed in inert materials, and originate from production sites registered with the USDA APHIS and under continuous phytosanitary surveillance. Specific pest-free declarations are required, including freedom from Adelges piceae, Monochamus scutellatus, Choristoneura fumiferana, Pissodes strobi, Lymantria dispar, and Orgyia pseudotsugata, depending on the state of origin.

Further stringent protocols for Christmas trees include mandatory mechanical agitation before shipment to dislodge potential pests. Trees up to 10 feet must be shaken for at least 10 seconds, while larger specimens require longer agitation. Collection centers must adhere to strict biosecurity measures, such as physical separation from other products and minimizing nighttime lighting to avoid attracting insects. Random inspections of 20% to 40% of incoming containers will be conducted at entry points, with non-compliant shipments subject to rejection or treatment.

Similar rigorous standards apply to fresh grapes (Vitis vinifera) imported from Egypt for consumption or processing. These new regulations, published in the Official Gazette, underscore Panama's commitment to protecting its biodiversity and agricultural economy through proactive health and safety protocols for imported goods.