5 interesting laws on import around the world

What is that one thing that you’re so used to, you don’t even think about it while traveling internationally – but you should!

We are a community of travelers (as well as shoppers), so we understand how important it is to be informed on different regulations that apply to importing certain items into the country we’re heading to. Usually it’s about quantity, which is pretty logical, because customs people won’t let you rob them off their fees – huge quantities are about business, not personal use, so taxes apply accordingly.

Though all countries in the world have similar and pretty much expected sets of regulations, some countries have truly bizarre and funny rules about what’s allowed and what’s not.

Here are five interesting ones you might want to know before your next trip:

1. Australia: No Bananas in Queensland

Australia is famous for its strict biosecurity laws, and for good reason – its ecosystems are incredibly fragile. Travelers that prefer bananas as their easy snack while on the road should know to eat all the contraband before they enter Australia, and Queensland in particular. Every banana brought into the state should be declared, and those who ignored the laws, should be prepared to pay not so small fees.

A historic photo: moments before a government official in Australia decides to declare war on bananas

2. Thailand: vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal

Many countries have regulations on cigarettes, cigars, vapes etc. and they are mostly about the quantity, rather than the items themselves. But Thailand didn’t even bother to make space for those who want to indulge in technological smoking practices: the country simply banned vapes, e-cigarettes, mods and all the spectrum of those types of products. So dear Parlaxy travelers, if you’re struggling to quit vaping, consider a vacation in Thailand. Of course, to afford it, you can complete some orders!

You watch your vape being confiscated by a Thailand’s customs officer

3. Singapore: No gum

In 1992 Singapore introduced a law banning importing gum, and subsequently chewing it in public. Customs officers will stop you at the border and confiscate any gum you have on you, but if they overlook it and you enter the country feeling smart and sneaky, we advise not to ride that high by trying to have a piece in public. We guarantee it will be the most expensive piece of gum in your life. And by the way, you’re not going to Singapore without first creating a trip, right?

Hey man, you have a piece of gum?

4. United Arab Emirates: No Pork

The UAE is a Muslim country, and in Islam pork is forbidden. It's a fairly well known fact, but still each year there will be tourists trying to sneak a pack of bacon into the country. Well, don’t do that! Instead, if you’re flying into Dubai, check what their duty free area has. Delicious snacks are plenty there!

5. Bhutan: No Plastic Bags

Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban plastic bags nationwide, and they did it far back in 1999. Now any person in Bhutan will consider it barbaric to pack clothes, food, toiletries etc. in separate plastic bags, as travelers often do. So to not be stopped at the border, rethink your packing habits! You do not want to seem insensitive or even disrespectful to the country that decided to open its borders to tourists not that long ago – in the mid 1970s!

Sure, some of these laws seem a little quirky, but they all are a reflection of some struggle the country has experienced, and/or culturally significant. So be respectful! And always double-check the import regulations before traveling – it might save you time and money!