Importing plants can be a key step for Araceae collectors. Since these tropical plants are native to America and Asia, it can be complicated to find certain species in Europe, or even to find them at decent prices.
To overcome this, one solution is to import the desired plants directly from producers in these native countries. If you are reading this article, it is probably because you are wondering how to buy plants in America or Asia, but especially what are the different steps that constitute a successful import! By successful, I mean that you have in your hands upon arrival, the said plants, and especially the said plants in good health.
STEP 1: KNOW THE PROCEDURES
To bring any living organism into the European Union you must follow certain procedures. For ornamental plants, whether in the form of seeds or plants, your plants must be declared to customs and checked by the veterinary services in force ( see the French customs website ). Your plants cannot be cleared through customs and admitted into the territory without these three documents: air waybill (LTA), the phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin and the Invoice describing your imported plants (number, price, etc.). The invoice and phytosanitary certificate are provided to you by your seller, while the LTA will generally be issued by the company that will take charge of your package by air (such as DHL or Air Cargo).
Plants will not be accepted into the territory if they are sent in soil. Sellers know this detail but I advise you to still ask for a shipment in sphagnum (just in case), or how they will be sent.
The procedures can be carried out by yourself by submitting these three documents on the platform TRACESNT at least 4 hours before the arrival of your plants in the first European territory they cross. The declaration on the platform will allow you to obtain a CHED or DSCE. Without this document your plants will not be cleared through customs.
This declaration can also be made by a freight forwarder or the company responsible for delivery such as DHL. In this case, it is the carrier who will issue the document on TRACESNT and transmit it directly to customs.
When your plants are checked by customs, you will be asked to pay the entry fees such as VAT and the veterinary examination fees. I advise you to pay them as soon as possible, so that your plants are delivered to you without delay. Without this payment your plants will be kept at the checkpoint or by the carrier.
Please note that since September 2024, controls have been strengthened at German customs and many of our parcels destined for Europe arrive at the European entry point of Leipzig airport. From now on, you must provide, in addition to the previous documents, your EORI ( Economic Operator Registration and Identification ) as well as your operator number on TRACES NT .
STEP 2: A TRUSTED PARTNER
Now you will have to find a trusted seller . For this, word of mouth will certainly be necessary. Also, ask what payment methods are accepted. This could be PayPal (between friends or goods and services), Wise, or even by bank transfer. Except via the PayPal guarantee of the option goods and services you will not be able to turn against your seller if a problem occurs. Indeed, you will have to make a transfer or payment directly to the seller. This is why it is important to take the time to find out about the sellers and feel confident with the one you choose. To do this, do not hesitate to ask for feedback on social networks. Moreover, it is mainly on Instagram that you will find sellers of plants from Asia or America.
STEP 3: SENDING
Once your order is placed, you will receive your plants in a delay of one week to a month . This time range is explained by two points. Sellers may or may not be authorized to send plants. If they are, they can easily take their plants for inspection which will give them the phytosanitary certificate. If they are not, they must request an appointment and this is granted to them within a period of one to four weeks. Before passing the inspection, the plants are cleaned (roots and aerial parts) to avoid any health risk. After the plants have been collected they are sent quickly and generally take a few days to arrive at your home (if all goes well). Unfortunately it can be longer and take several weeks.
STEP 4: RECEPTION AND ACCLIMATIZATION
When you receive the plants, they will have been greatly stressed and you will need to acclimatize them. Often, they arrive with a very dry substrate, dry roots and you will need to rehydrate them. To do this, let the roots soak in water for 24 hours after removing/cutting all the damaged parts. I advise you to add bio-stimulants such as Raykat to your water.
Once rehydrated, you will need to plant them. I recommend sphagnum moss or passive hydroponics, and keeping them in a greenhouse or prop-box. You can also help them with root stimulants like clonex mist in foliar or the liquid ocean of Hydropassion. The acclimatization can take several weeks, be patient! 🙂
PS: If a plant has lost all its roots, cut and remove all damaged parts. Then, disinfect with diluted hydrogen peroxide, and leave the plant in clean water.
THE RISKS
Finally, importing allows you to obtain plants that are not yet available on the traditional European market. It also allows you to find plants at a better price. However, keep in mind that any import has its lot of risks . First, it is possible to get scammed if the seller is poorly chosen. Secondly, the plants can be stuck in quarantine in the country of origin if they do not meet phytosanitary standards. Unfortunately, you will not be able to act on this. Also, the transportation maybe more long than expected and the plants can arrive damaged , which is unfortunately not your fault and not necessarily that of the seller. Last risk, acclimatization .
This step requires a bit of experience, and can be complicated. It can take a lot of time and care, and for me it is essential to have suitable equipment (such as a humid environment such as a greenhouse, stimulant products, see above). Keep in mind that importing plants involves risks and that it is very common to have damaged plants in imports. Maximize your chances of having a healthy plant by preparing its arrival with suitable care, as described above.
THE ALTERNATIVES
If you don't feel like taking these risks, but still want to import plants, you can contact American or Asian sellers who have partnerships with European sellers to facilitate imports . But also to European collectors/sellers who are used to this process and who will be able to take care of the different stages, like me !
If you would like to benefit from my network to carry out an import, contact me here specifying your request. That is to say by mentioning the plant(s) you are looking for and the budget you have! 🙂
I hope you enjoyed this article and that it answers the questions you may have about importing plants. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask! However, keep in mind that any import involves risks, and you must be prepared to overcome them.