International Legality for travelers to import or buy poppy seeds commonly used as cooking spice in some cultures?
Different countries have different fair use policies; medicinal, cooking spice, versus contraband/ intoxicant usage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poppy_seed
They are widely used in cuisines across the globe.
http://yoga-ayurveda-for-healing.blogspot.in/2012/11/menopausal-ayurvedic-coolent.html
http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/khus-syrup-recipe-khus-sherbet/
There might be nations where it's easier to buy a local 'legally certified' supply / packet than to fly in with your own.
From Wikipedia and other googling I find that Singapore, UAE & some middle eastern nations deem it as illegal.
Are there any another places/ nations where carrying this as a food cooking spice could/ would be illegal and/ or risky?
Best Answer
Where Is it Illegal to Import Poppy Seeds?
This list is by no means comprehensive as regulations may vary over time.
Singapore
- I would like to know if I am allowed to bring poppy seeds into Singapore for my baking business.
Poppy seeds are classified as prohibited goods by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). Any company or person who wishes to import them or any foodstuff that contain the substance (regardless of the amount or purpose) must submit the Inward Declaration Form which can also be downloaded from http://www.cnb.gov.sg/Libraries/CNB_MediaLibrary_Files/Declaration_Form.sflb.ashx together with a certificate from the exporting country or the country of origin of the poppy seeds.
United Arab Emirates
Besides the narcotics listed, all other recreational drugs including cocaine, heroin, cannabis and opiates and its derivatives are banned. Be careful of carrying in poppy seeds which are banned, so avoid accidentally carrying bakery products that might contain such seeds. Also banned is qat leaf, betel leaf or nuts, niswar, gutkha, which while admissible in some countries is not permitted in the UAE.
Saudi Arabia
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. This was sadly illustrated to two Indian pilgrims from Gujarat. In their luggage they had 250 grams of poppy seeds (khaskhas) which resulted in their being arrested. Neither knew that the substance was banned in Saudi Arabia and both said that they had brought it for use in cooking while they were here.
Taiwan
PROHIBITED & RESTRICTED ARTICLES
Articles listed below cannot be imported:
[...]
- Opium, poppy seeds, cannabis and cocaine seeds, or narcotics drugs which are listed in the “Law for the Control of Narcotics” and their derivatives and products.
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Is poppy seed illegal in USA?
In the United States, poppy plants are considered a Schedule II controlled substance with the exception of the seeds, which are legal to purchase and have been popular for many decades in baking.Why are poppy seeds banned in some countries?
Prohibitions. The sale of poppy seeds from Papaver somniferum is banned in Singapore because of the morphine content. Poppy seeds are also prohibited in Taiwan, primarily because of the risk that viable seeds will be sold and used to grow opium poppies.Can I import poppy seeds?
Poppy seed is imported essentially to meet domestic demand. Further, import of poppy seed is subject to country restriction and can be imported only from 16 countries which are recognised as licit producers of poppy seeds.Anti-aging and skin whitening drink || Almond and poppy seeds in milk by Mom's healthy kitchen
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