In order to import orchids, you will need an import permit issued by APHIS. If you are a hobby importer, it's free, but if you intend to buy and sell, you'll need a general permit, which I believe is $70.
Then you must avoid trying to import any plants listed on CITES Appendix I, as that is illegal.
To import others, the seller will need to prepare the plants properly (free of insect or other infestation/bare root/no residual potting medium), identify them accurately on the accompanying documentation, and provide a phytosanitary certificate and CITES documentation from the official authority in the origin nation - all ususally at your expense.
You will have to send them the labels that come with your import permit, as those, when on the outside of the package, divert it to the APHIS station at the portal through which the package enters the country. The folks there will inspect the plants, and if all is well, they will forward them to you at no charge.
Keep in mind that plants successfully undergoing this process will have been bare root and abused for as much as two weeks before you get them, so will likely need some babying for a while. All losses in the entire process will likely be on your dime.
Theoretically flasked material should be exempt of all of the above as they are - by definition - artifically propagated and in sterile culture, but you are at the interpretive whim of the inspectors, so you're better off to have all of the docs for them, as well.
Last edited by Ray; 05-14-2007 at 01:41 PM..
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.. I have not dealt with this since I am a newcomer to orchids and not one to I/E.
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