I've imported seeds a couple times. When importing seeds they want to inspect the seeds. If the seeds are sent directly to you without inspection then they are illegally imported. If that happens (a shipper might incorrectly send them to you or just ignore your permit even though you have one and gave them the shipping labels) then you might still be able to send the seeds to an inspection station and hope that the inspector will work with you. My point is that I haven't imported plants but I expect they will want to inspect them no matter what they are and you're not meant to have the plants sent directly to your address.

I don't have an answer for your second question. When I had some questions about my seed import permit I was able to find an email address on the government site that issued my permit for someone at APHIS who was able to answer my questions. I expect there is a similar email address for your permits and questions.

I suggest only buying from people who have had experience with legally shipping plants to the USA. I'm guessing you might have been browsing Korean nursery sites. Usually if a nursery is open to legally exporting to your country they will say something about that someplace on the site. If I were you I would send the instructions to them. Sure, lets say they are experienced and know what they are doing. That is good. Or, maybe they are less experienced but willing to do what is needed to comply with the permit then can you expect them to comply with a permit when they aren't informed? APHIS won't send them the instructions. Just to prevent possible problems it helps to have all parties well informed and I wouldn't count on someone else to do the informing.

Did you end up ordering? I'm in the process right now and boy is it confusing.

I would just like to say that our 35 acres of land is now populated by invasives that were from other parts of the earth and brought here (some sold by the DNR!) They have destroyed a lot of the natives and run rampant over the entire area (and the U.S.). Just think twice about ordering species that aren't used to growing here.

Very fair point. I'm ordering different cultivars of plants I already own and am familiar with and will be using as houseplants so thankfully I'm certain this won't be an issue.

And much of the APHIS import/export restrictions were developed to limit the spread of new invasive species. That's why it is critical to go through all the red tape and bureaucracy that is part of this process.

Absolutely. I should be clear, I don't mind the red tape and bureaucracy. If it bothered me that much I would place a smaller order. The challenge has more been that the directions are not always 100% clear and working with sellers where English is a second language and wanting to make sure everything is followed to a T. My issue is less of being annoyed by the process (I'm not) and making sure I follow it correctly so my plants don't get destroyed.

bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI - Thanks for sharing. I'm starting to feel more comfortable with the process and yes, I have my labels. As far as the free phyto certificate goes, all the sellers I've worked with seem to offer that for orders over a certain amount and so far, they've delivered on that and my packages have been fine even though they were inspected.

The very few plants that catch my attention are sold mostly on Ebay and Etsy by US sellers. They did all the work of getting permits and then freely sell here. Of course you are paying them and the plants are sold double what they paid but for a hobby buying only one, it is well worth it. I see some sold overseas and tend to stay away from them. The highest I paid from some of my plants is $50. That is where I draw the line at. Most likely in a few years the price comes down. Some big nurseries like Mountain Crest Gardens has sold some really rare plants at great prices lately. They are tiny starts but well worth it.

So many plants are sold out of China (mostly seeds) which are totally ripe offs. Seed turns out to be weeds or grass. If price is too cheap or pictures are too colorful, watch out. Worse than the spray painted plants sold at the big box stores.

Kelly Alesso, I understand, "spend and free", but do your parcels actually arrive with a Quarantine Certificate taped to the outside of the box? If not then I'd say, "Count your lucky stars."

These are the Yellow/Green Label and Quarantine Cert that should be on your parcel.

Hi I just ordered from a seller in Korea. I got my permit and green-yellow label. I got a message from DHL that I should get the package in a week. However, the package is being sent to an inspection station in Linden, NJ. I chose it because I live in VA, and it's closest. So, the inspector will send the package to me once he's done inspecting? It's my first time order. Also, do I pay any extra fee for the inspection? Thank you.

You don't pay for inspection. However, you may have to pay the appropriate duty taxes. If that is the case, you will receive an email from DHL with an invoice. The seller provides your email address to DHL so they have a way to contact you if they want to be reimbursed for the duty fees.

popmama- thank you for your response. I didn't pay attention until I sent my message. The post was 11 months ago. But thank you. I hope it's not expensive. I got from Etsy but there are some that you don't see in the US. I collect them because they are beautiful. Thank you again.

Popmama- so after inspection, they will send to me? Thank you.

Yes, if the plants make it through inspection, you will get them.

Hi Popmama- I got a message from DHL today that they delivered the package to New Jersey, and that's the inspection location. I am worried. I emailed the seller but hasn't heard back from him. He did send me a message before he sent the package if I want him to send directly to me or to the inspection station. I sent him a message that the package needs to send to the inspection station before I can get it. I am worried now that he didn't put my address on it. This is the first time I bought succulents from Korea. I am so anxious now.

Again thank you so much for your message.

Nie3, If I may ask, are you buying just a few plants or a large order? Mostly people who run nurseries or greenhouses order large orders.

Dose anyone knows how to fill out the article for succulents? I can’t find any