Soil, plants, and plant products (including fruits, vegetables, seeds, cut flowers, logs, and lumber) imported into the United States from foreign countries are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine (USDA-APHIS-PPQ). The NCDA&CS Plant Protection Section cooperates with USDA-APHIS-PPQ, it's federal counterpart, in carrying out this program in an effort to minimize the spread of harmful insects, diseases, and other pests.
Of all the items regulated, the Plant Protection Section is most actively involved in regard to the importation of plants, specifically the post-entry quarantine program. Plants entering the US are regulated to varying degrees according to their type and source country (i.e., whether or not a particular pest is known to occur there). Some plants may move unrestricted with only an import permit. Some are totally prohibited because the pest risk is perceived to be too great or might be too difficult to detect during an inspection. Some plants may enter under the condition they be placed under post-entry quarantine at the importer's growing location and periodically inspected by a Plant Protection Specialist for the plant pests of concern. Plants are usually held under quarantine for two growing seasons. The Specialist must first do a site-screening to make sure there is available space to maintain the shipment for the holding period while keeping it separated from other similar plants that might be in the area. Once the USDA-APHIS-PPQ is notified the site is acceptable, an import permit is issued and the plants may be imported.
Import requirements for plants and the other listed regulated articles are subject to change. For current requirements or information on specific items and to obtain an import permit application, visit the USDA-APHIS-PPQ website or contact the Permit Unit by Telephone: 877-770-5990 (toll free automated request menu)