Legal implications of importing orchids/orchid material

[RosieC]

Following some recent discussions it has been suggested we create a sticky about importing orchids.

1. Orchid Board does not condone illegal activity in any way, including the illegal importation of orchids or orchid material. Also including the illegal collection of orchids from the wild.

2. CITES covers much of the legislation relating to wild collected orchids, and which orchids can be traded between countries and in what form.

3. Remember that CITES is not the only paperwork required and even if something is not covered by CITES other paperwork could be required. I will not comment on what is or isn't required as I'm not an expert, but it is up to all people buying from abroad to ensure the correct paperwork is in place. Do NOT rely on the vendor assuring you it's all in order.

We have had members in the past here who talked about how they bought from vendors who claimed they needed no paperwork to import the plants into the US and then either ended up with empty boxes and a note from Customs to say the goods were confiscated, or even had Customers and Border Control turn up on their doorstep demanding proof they had not been intentionally importing illegal goods.

It is YOUR responsibility to check all paperwork is in place.

4. Import within the EU (including into the UK from the EU) can be done pretty much free of any paperwork, unless importing in large quantities. Restrictions are in effect to move into or out of the EU. See here from the RHS advice for the EU RHS Advice on importing and exporting

Here are a few links that give some info about regulations.

CITES Imports and Exports (UK)
Protecting biodiversity at home and abroad (UK)
CBD Home (UK)
Aphis USDA (USA)

If anyone has good links to further information about the requirements in other parts of the world, or more links for the UK/EU then please send them to me as a PM and I will get them added to this post. Let me know of you think there is extra info I should add to the text of this post as well. I want it to be as informative as possible.