Importing bare-rooted plants into the United States (Other rules for importing from Canada)
I wanted to import iris rhizomes (note: absolutely no soil) from Iris-Cayeux in France. The only info on the Internet was the US Depart. Of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). The information is rather confusing and sometimes contradictory. I called one of the numbers listed and was told that I didn't need a permit if I was importing 12 or less rhizomes. The magical "12" was, also, noted on the USDA-APHIS website. I decided to make "extra" sure that this was correct and tried 3 other phone numbers, none of which worked. A real live person, Simone, answered 301-851-2046 (no extension needed) and explained the entire process. My take away was it was very iffy shipping without a permit. Forget "12 or fewer." Here is the short form of the process: First apply online to get a Level 2 "eAuthentication Account." After you receive your Level 2 clearance, you can fill out online the FREE PPQ 587 (importing plants) form, which can take up to 30 BUSINESS days to process. My permit was approved in 3 days. A second email told me the procedure to follow. First, print out the green and yellow mailing labels. The commercial garden will affix this mailing label to the outside of the package so it is mailed to a USDA Plant Inspection Station. The commercial grower will include in the package a copy of your permit, a list of the contents, a phytosanitary certificate which is provided by the grower, and a new label with your address + pre-paid postage. After the rhizomes are inspected, your address label and postage will be placed on the package for shipment from the Inspection Station to your address. So, yes, I need to mail these items to the commercial grower. I am anxious to see how this all pans out.
