Phytosanitary Certification

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine Program (USDA APHIS PPQ) and the plant health agencies in each of the 50 states, regulate the shipment of plant materials in an effort to minimize the spread of harmful insects, diseases, and other pests. Federal & State Quarantine Summaries are available at the National Plant Board (NPB) website. The summaries are designed as a reference tool for nursery stock growers, brokers, purchasers, and others involved in the buying selling, and interstate transport of nursery and greenhouse plant crops.  Outlined are the basic quarantine and other plant health requirements of APHIS, all 50 states, and Puerto Rico. The information presented is designed as an aid to help users avoid costly delays, rejections of plant material shipments, and introduction of harmful pests into new areas.

The Federal summaries feature the major quarantines that regulate nursery plants and related items. Descriptions include the areas regulated; commodities regulated; a summary of restrictions that apply; and regional APHIS contact information. Federal phytosanitary certificates (FPC) are issued through the USDA-APHIS-PPQ Phytosanitary Certificate Issuance and Tracking system (PCIT). There are fees charged for the issuance of FPCs.

Each State summary lists the relevant plant health agency and contact information; definition of nursery stock; general shipping requirements; and quarantines or other specific certification requirements that apply for shipment into that state.

The information contained on the NPB site is designed as a quick reference tool only. Full information on approved treatments and documentation requirements may be needed. Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture personnel are authorized to issue both State and Federal phytosanitary certificates.

Contact your regional plant inspector for assistance.