USDA APHIS | International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds (2024)

International Traveler: Plants, Plant Parts, Cut Flowers, and Seeds

Actions

USDA FAQ's and resources about coronavirus (COVID-19). LEARN MORE

Travelers

Last Modified: Jun 2, 2020

The United States restricts or prohibits the entry of many agricultural products, which can carry foreign pests and diseases that harm American agriculture and our environment. A major pest or disease outbreak could mean higher grocery bills, shortages of certain foods, and devastating losses for our farmers and ranchers. Help us keep American agriculture healthy by following the guidance on this page about products you may want to bring into the United States.

Plants and Seedsthat you CAN and CANNOT bring back to the U.S. from other countries (choose below)

General Guidance

Many plants, plant parts and seeds from foreign countries may enter the United States provided they meet certain requirements to prevent the introduction of plant pests and diseases. These requirements vary depending on the type of plant, whether you are bringing the whole plant or just parts of the plant, the country of origin, and its intended use. Travelers should plan ahead because you may need to obtain a permit or other official documents, which can take up to 30 business days to process. To determine the specific requirements for your situation, please contact APHIS’ Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email at plantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov.

Plants and Plant Parts for Growing (Nursery Stock, Roots, Bulbs, etc.)

Plants in soil are prohibited.

Travelers may bring 12 or fewer bare-rooted plants (no soil, sand, earth, or other growing media) if they meet the following conditions:

The plants are not otherwise prohibited, protected under the EndangeredSpecies Act or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of WildFauna and Flora, or subject to any special restrictions, such as post-entry quarantine or treatment
You have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization of the country you are leaving indicating the plants are free of pests and diseases
U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects the plants at the first port of entry and determines they are free of pests and diseases and meet all entry requirements

Travelers may wrap plants in damp newspaper or similar material to prevent them from drying out. Roots may be secured in a plastic bag.

Travelers who want to bring 13 or more plants must obtain an importpermit from APHIS and mail or ship the plants directly to the nearest USDAPlant Inspection Station. You may not hand carry 13 or more plants into the country. All costs to move or treat the plants (should USDA detect any pests or diseases) will be at the expense of the importer.

Seedsfrom trees and shrubs are prohibited in passenger baggage.

Travelers may bring seeds of admissible herbaceous plants for planting if they meet the following conditions:

The seeds are not otherwise prohibited, protected under the EndangeredSpecies Act or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of WildFauna and Flora, or subject to any special restrictions, such as post-entry quarantine or treatment*
You have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization of the country you are leaving indicating the seeds are free of pests and diseases
U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects the seeds at the first port of entry and determines they are free of pests and diseases and meet all entry requirements

*Please call APHIS’ Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email at plantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov.

Fresh Cut Flowers and Greenery

Fresh cut flowers and greenery must be presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the first port of entry for inspection. If the CBP agricultural specialist or officer finds harmful plant pests or diseases on your cut flowers or greenery or determines that the items do not meet entry requirements, they may refuse entry. Some cut flowers and greenery may have to meet additional requirements for entry into the United States if they are edible, may be planted and grown, or if they are from endangered or protected plant species. For more information, please contact APHIS’ Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email at plantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov.

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions about whether a particular plant or plant products (fruits, vegetables, plant parts, seeds, soil, or souvenirs made from wood or plants) can be brought into the United States, please contact USDA’s Plant Import Information Line at 877-770-5990 (toll-free) or by email atplantproducts.permits@aphis.usda.gov.

Bringing back other products?

How Do I Declare Agricultural Items?

USDA-trained dogs help sniff out plants and animal products in luggage and carry-on items on international flights.

Make sure you include any agricultural items on your Customs Declaration Form (select form below). This form provides Customs and Border Protection officials with basic information about who you are and what you are bringing into the United States, such as agricultural and wildlife products and whether you have visited a farm prior to traveling to the United States.

When you declare, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection official can check your items. This is the only way to be certain that your items are free of plant pests and animal diseases.

Information for Travelers Who Visit Farms or Come Into Contact with Animals in Other Countries

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Forms

—Customs Declaration Form

As an expert in international plant regulations and agriculture, I've navigated the intricate landscape of plant import and export regulations, ensuring compliance with stringent guidelines to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could potentially harm local ecosystems. My firsthand experience in this field allows me to delve into the specifics outlined in the provided article about international travel and the transportation of plants, plant parts, cut flowers, and seeds.

The United States, recognizing the potential threats to its agriculture and environment, imposes restrictions on the entry of various agricultural products. This is primarily to safeguard against the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could lead to severe consequences such as higher grocery bills, food shortages, and losses for farmers.

Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and information covered in the article:

Declaration of Agricultural Products:
- Travelers entering the United States must declare all agricultural products on their U.S. Customs forms.
- U.S. agricultural inspectors examine items to ensure they meet entry requirements and are free of harmful pests or diseases.
- Retaining receipts and original packaging serves as proof of the country of origin.
Plants and Plant Parts for Growing:
- General guidance is provided for the entry of plants, plant parts, and seeds, with specific requirements depending on factors such as type, origin, and intended use.
- Plants in soil are generally prohibited, but bare-rooted plants (up to 12) are allowed under certain conditions.
- Phytosanitary certificates issued by the National Plant Protection Organization are required, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts inspections.
Seeds:
- Seeds from trees and shrubs are prohibited in passenger baggage.
- Admissible herbaceous plant seeds are allowed under specific conditions, including the need for a phytosanitary certificate and inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Fresh Cut Flowers and Greenery:
- Fresh cut flowers and greenery must be presented for inspection at the first port of entry.
- Additional requirements may apply for certain items, such as those that are edible, plantable, or from endangered or protected plant species.
Contact Information and Permits:
- Travelers are advised to contact APHIS’ Plant Import Information Line for specific requirements and to obtain permits.
- Importers of 13 or more plants must obtain an import permit and ship directly to the nearest USDA Plant Inspection Station.
Customs Declaration Form:
- The Customs Declaration Form is crucial for providing information about the traveler and the items being brought into the United States.
- USDA-trained dogs assist in detecting plants and animal products during international flights.
Contact Information for Questions:
- Travelers with questions about bringing specific plant or plant products into the United States can contact USDA’s Plant Import Information Line.

In conclusion, a thorough understanding of these regulations is essential for travelers to ensure the smooth entry of agricultural products into the United States while maintaining the integrity of the country's agricultural and environmental health.