Importing succulents
from China to the USA:
the complete guide.
Hundreds of US retailers, Etsy sellers, nurseries, and collectors import succulents from China every year. Here's exactly how the process works — and how SouthQuest Farm ensures your shipment clears USDA APHIS without delays.
Yes — it is fully legal to import bare-root succulents from China to the USA.
Bare-root (soil-free) succulents are not prohibited imports. They are subject to USDA APHIS phytosanitary requirements, which are entirely manageable with the right documentation. SouthQuest Farm has shipped to hundreds of US customers — retail sellers, commercial nurseries, and private collectors — without a single customs seizure when our documentation protocol is followed.
Understanding the US Regulatory Framework
Plant imports into the United States are regulated by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), specifically the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division. Their mandate is to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and plant diseases — a legitimate biosecurity concern that any reputable exporter fully supports.
The key regulatory framework for live plant imports from China includes:
- 7 CFR Part 319 — the core federal regulation governing importation and interstate movement of plant material
- PPQ Form 587 — Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products (required for commercial importers of Crassulaceae)
- Phytosanitary Certificate — issued by the exporting country (China's GACC) and required for all plant shipments
Do You Need an Import Permit?
This is the question most first-time importers ask. The answer depends on your import volume and purpose:
- Personal/hobby imports (small quantities, single shipments): In practice, small personal orders of common succulent genera (Echeveria, Aeonium, Sedum) with a valid phytosanitary certificate typically clear without a separate permit, though all imports remain subject to APHIS inspection.
- Commercial imports (resale, regular orders, businesses): We strongly recommend obtaining a PPQ Form 587 permit before your first commercial shipment. This permit, once issued, applies to subsequent shipments and dramatically reduces inspection holds at the port of entry.
What SouthQuest Farm Provides for USA Shipments
Every USA-bound shipment from SouthQuest Farm includes a dedicated US documentation package:
- Official Phytosanitary Certificate from GACC (attached to lead carton exterior)
- Commercial Invoice with correct HS tariff codes for Crassulaceae family
- Packing List with full Latin species names, quantities, and size descriptions
- Airway Bill / DHL or FedEx tracking number provided same day as dispatch
- Declaration of bare-root, soil-free status
- Electronic advance copy of all documents sent to the importer 24–48 hours before arrival
Customs Entry Ports & Inspection
APHIS plant inspections at US ports of entry are conducted by CBP Agricultural Specialists working under APHIS authority. The most common entry airports for China shipments are Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), New York JFK, and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).
With a valid phytosanitary certificate and a well-documented packing list, most succulent shipments are cleared within 1–4 hours of presentation at the port. Shipments without correct documentation, or containing soil contamination, will be held for inspection — which can take days and result in destruction orders.
Our shipments use the green channel by design: clean, soil-free, correctly documented plants that inspectors can quickly verify and release.
HS Tariff Codes for Succulents
Using the correct Harmonized System (HS) code on your commercial invoice is essential for smooth customs entry. For succulents imported from China:
- HS 0602.90 — Other live plants (most commonly used for succulent imports)
- HS 0602.10 — Unrooted cuttings and slips
SouthQuest Farm's invoices always include the correct HS code for your shipment composition. If you require a split invoice (e.g., rooted vs. unrooted material), we can accommodate this.
Transit Time to the USA
For US-bound shipments, we exclusively use air freight via DHL Express or FedEx International Priority. Typical transit times from Kunming to major US cities:
- Los Angeles, San Francisco: 5–7 business days
- Chicago, Dallas, Houston: 6–8 business days
- New York, Miami, Atlanta: 7–9 business days
Succulents are fully capable of surviving these transit windows without water when properly hardened and packed. Our US partners consistently report 97%+ healthy arrival rates.
Frequently Asked Questions — USA Importers
Can I import succulents from China to resell on Etsy?
Yes. Many successful Etsy and Shopee sellers import succulents from China commercially. You are operating as a commercial importer, so applying for a PPQ 587 permit is advisable. A reliable Chinese supplier (like SouthQuest) who provides complete phytosanitary documentation is essential — APHIS seizures happen almost exclusively with undocumented or soil-contaminated shipments.
Are there any succulent species banned from US import?
Most common commercial succulent genera — Echeveria, Aeonium, Sedum, Crassula, Kalanchoe — are importable with proper documentation. Some species may require additional CITES permits if they appear on CITES Appendix I or II lists, though most commercial succulents are not CITES-listed. Contact us with your specific variety wishlist and we'll flag any potential issues.
What if my shipment is held at customs?
A customs hold is stressful but manageable. Common reasons for holds: missing or incorrect phytosanitary certificate, no packing list, or signs of soil contamination. SouthQuest Farm maintains an emergency documentation support line — if your shipment is held, contact us immediately and we will provide additional documentation, translated declarations, or direct liaison with our GACC contacts as needed.
Can I get a sample shipment before committing to a full order?
Yes. We offer sample shipments of 20–50 plants for qualified US buyers. Sample shipments follow the same documentation protocol as commercial orders and are a great way to experience our packing quality and transit survival rate firsthand before scaling your order.
Ready to start importing to the USA?
Tell us your buyer profile, target varieties, and estimated quarterly volume. We'll respond with a tailored proposal and a PPQ 587 application guide within 24 hours.