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Advice/Best Practices for Bulk Importing Seeds from RarePalmSeeds.com (USA)

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13 hours ago13 hr

Hi everyone,

I’m currently planning a significant seed order from RarePalmSeeds and am looking for some advice from those who have experience with the logistics of importing into the U.S.

I’m looking to bring in a few thousand seeds of various palm species to make the shipping cost worthwhile. My priority is doing this entirely by the book. I will be applying for the correct PPQ 587 permit and ensuring the shipment is accompanied by all the necessary phytosanitary documentation.

I have two main questions for the group:

1. Inspection Facilities: I am considering having the shipment routed through a USDA plant inspection station (such as the one in Seattle, WA) to ensure the inspection is handled as smoothly as possible. Does anyone have experience or recommendations regarding this approach for a shipment of this size? I want to ensure everything is handled properly upon entry.

2. Permit Clarification (Country of Origin): I’m getting a bit hung up on the "Country of Origin" field when filling out the import permit. My understanding is that this refers to the country where the seeds were actually produced/harvested, not the species' native range. For example, if I order a Trachycarpus princeps, but the seeds were produced in Spain, I should list Spain as the country of origin, correct? I want to make sure my documentation matches exactly what the inspectors expect to avoid any customs issues.

Any tips on navigating the import process or common pitfalls to avoid would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure these arrive safely and in excellent condition.

Thanks in advance for your help!

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6 hours ago6 hr

To answer your questions:
(1) You have to do this. The package will be sent from RPS directly to the inspection station that you nominate by providing the corresponding yellow/green shipping label.
(2) Country of origin will be Germany.

A couple of other comments.

Judging by the amount of seed you want to order, you may exceed the limits of the small lots of seed program (more than 50 seeds/10g per species). If so, you will need to select: Intended Use “Plants for Planting” and Commodity Type “Plants for Propagation” (this covers seeds for propagation). Both the Plants for Propagation Permit and a phytosanitary certificate (available on their website during checkout) will be required.

When they ship your order they will send you a packing list. Email this to the APHIS station that you nominate to give them advance warning.

Your order will sit in customs for some variable amount of time, which is a separate process from APHIS inspection.

You will also need to arrange shipping from the APHIS station to your home, or trust them to throw it in the main with no tracking. If you are placing a large order, I strongly recommend organizing your own shipping with tracking.