What are the restrictions for sending Seeds & Plants to United States?

Documentation required: USDA APHIS permit, Phytosanitary certificate.

POSTING RULE

Send Seeds & Plants → 🇺🇸 United States

Q: Can I post Seeds & Plants to United States?

USDA APHIS permit required for most seeds Mailing seeds and plant material to the US requires a USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine permit. All shipments must include a phytosanitary certificate from the origin country. Some seeds are prohibited entirely (e.g., certain citrus, stone fruit). Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 250 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 39 USC § 3005 (postal fraud) (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

ANSWER

Can I post Seeds & Plants to United States?

RESTRICTEDVERIFIED · 2026-07-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

USDA APHIS permit required for most seeds

DOCUMENTS

USDA APHIS permit
Phytosanitary certificate

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

aphis.usda.gov

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Full Details

Mailing seeds and plant material to the US requires a USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine permit. All shipments must include a phytosanitary certificate from the origin country. Some seeds are prohibited entirely (e.g., certain citrus, stone fruit). Enforcement in United States carries fines from USD 250 to USD 10,000 under 19 USC § 1497 (failure to declare); 39 USC § 3005 (postal fraud) (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).

PRACTICAL ADVICE

Apply for APHIS permit before shipping. Mark packages 'Contains Plant Material' for customs inspection.

OFFICIAL SOURCES

aphis.usda.gov cbp.gov

POSTING DETAILS

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

—USDA APHIS permit
—Phytosanitary certificate

LEGAL REFERENCE

Plant Protection Act, 7 USC 7711-7772

DESTINATION CUSTOMS

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

COUNTRY POSTING NOTES

Postal imports follow the same $800 de minimis threshold. USPS international parcels are subject to CBP examination. Commercial shipments via post require formal entry if over $2,500.