Maintaining Soil During Shipping: Ensuring Plant Delivery Remains Secure
Shipping Plants Internationally: A Comprehensive Guide
Shipping live plants can be an exciting endeavour, but it requires careful consideration to ensure the plants arrive in good health and comply with all applicable laws and restrictions. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.
Packaging and Labeling
Regardless of the destination, it's essential to clearly label the package with the name of the plant, simple care instructions, "Live Plant" and "Perishable". The box should also bear the same labels. For potted plants, wrap them in bubble wrap or foam padding for protection during transit. Delicate foliage, protruding branches, or long stems should be secured with plant ties, soft string, rubber bands, or twist ties. If shipping a potted plant, consider adding a cardboard collar around the base of the plant to keep the soil in place. Mark "This End Up" on the package to ensure the plant remains upright during transport.
Shipping Within the United States
When shipping plants domestically, pay close attention to the guidelines of each state as certain states have stringent restrictions. It's crucial to check the legality of the shipment, adhering to regulations from the USDA and individual states.
International Shipping
When shipping plants internationally, you must comply with the regulations and prohibitions of the destination country. Obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate from the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country. This certificate verifies the plants have passed inspection and meet the importing country's plant health requirements under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
If shipping plants with wooden packaging materials like pallets or crates, comply with ISPM 15 regulations, treating these materials to eliminate pests, following IPPC standards, to prevent spreading invasive species internationally.
Check specific import requirements and restrictions of the destination country or state, including prohibited or quarantined plant species. Some plants require permits or are banned altogether. Apply for necessary permits through systems like the USDA APHIS eFile if shipping to or from the US, or equivalent agencies elsewhere.
Use appropriate packaging and labeling to maintain plant health and comply with transport carrier rules (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.), and ensure humane treatment for any live plants or animals. Follow documentation procedures carefully, including filling out electronic or manual export/import forms as required by the relevant authorities.
Long Trips
For long trips, add a slurry of water and polymer moisture crystals to the roots before bagging to provide sustained moisture.
In summary, successful international plant shipment requires thorough knowledge of phytosanitary laws, appropriate treatment of packaging, correct permits and certificates, and adherence to destination country regulations to avoid legal and biological risks.
