Sending Bulbs and Plants to the United States of America

[TheNorm]

Hi everyone,

Had an email from someone in the states trying to buy bulbs from me to be sent out there.  From what I can make out, the cost of phyto certificates and import/export costs are prohibitive and so I have already ruled myself out.

Has anyone sent bulbs to the states, or know of any nurseries in the UK that import/export plants to and from the states?

Obviously, CITES and other US local restrictions will limit the potential plants travelling between the two countries, but thought it was worth finding out so I can at least point her in the right direction on who can/will help her out.


Thanks,


Lewis

[jshields]

I used to import and export, before we just lately started shutting down the business.  To import seeds, bulbs, or plants into the U.S.A., residents of the USA must have a plant import permit from the USDA (U.S. Dept. of Agriculture).  All plant materials imported into the USA must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the country of origin. 

There is only one exception that I have heard of:  small lots of seeds, accompanied by the SLS import permit, do NOT have to have a phyto.  See the APHIS pages of the USDA web site for details.

I have heard that individuals can carry with them a few bulbs without a phyto when coming into the USA.  I would not want to risk any valuable plants testing this rumor.

Jim Shields
Shields Gardens Ltd.

[Lesley Cox]

As bad, in its way, as for NZ and Australia now. Seems that export/import of choice plants will soon be a thing of the past. Unless, perhaps, one lives in Outer Baku!

[Janis Ruksans]

I'm exporting to USA and only Phyto is requested. Officially import permit is need, but usually customers receive material withourt permit if only phyto is added. For Canada permit is obligatory. Up to now only 2-3 parcels were lost (during 20 years) and one box with daffodils for ADS of total value around 1000,- USD was destroyed as "suspicious" after 9/11 at entry Airport.
Janis