Importing succulents
from China to the EU:
the complete guide.

Understanding the EU Regulatory Framework

Plant imports into the European Union are governed by the EU Plant Health Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/2031), which harmonises phytosanitary requirements across all member states. Third-country imports — including from China — must clear a Border Control Post (BCP) equipped for plant health checks.

• Phytosanitary Certificate — issued by China's GACC, required for every shipment entering the EU
• TRACES NT — the EU's online pre-notification system; your importer or customs broker submits shipment details before arrival
• Border Control Post inspection — physical and documentary checks conducted at the first EU port of entry

Which Country Should You Import Through?

Any EU member state with a plant-health-equipped Border Control Post can serve as your entry point — the phytosanitary certificate is valid EU-wide once cleared. The Netherlands, Germany, and France have the most established plant-import infrastructure and are common first choices for buyers new to importing, thanks to experienced customs brokers familiar with live plant shipments.

What SouthQuest Farm Provides for EU Shipments

Every EU-bound shipment from SouthQuest Farm includes a dedicated 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, in time for TRACES NT pre-notification

Common Succulent Varieties Imported to the EU

EU buyers most frequently import the following genera and forms from China, all of which SouthQuest Farm ships regularly:

• Aeonium — old-stalk specimens and crested (cristate) forms, popular with specialty retailers and collectors
• Echeveria — Korean-line variegated cultivars and potted starters, strong sellers for e-commerce and gift/retail programs
• Bare-root cuttings — the most common form for commercial resale, clearing customs faster and shipping lighter than potted plants

See our Aeonium and Echeveria catalogues for the full 117-variety range currently in stock.

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.

Packing Method Summary

Every EU-bound shipment follows the same protocol we use for all export destinations:

1. Plants are air-dried (soil removed, moisture reduced) for 2–4 days before dispatch
2. Each plant is individually wrapped in breathable cotton paper
3. Plants are arranged in shredded-paper nesting inside a ventilated export carton
4. The phytosanitary certificate is attached to the exterior of the lead carton

Full details on our packing standards are on the Wholesale Succulents page.

Transit Time to the EU

For EU-bound shipments, we use air freight via DHL Express or FedEx International Priority — typical door-to-door transit is 7–12 business days, in line with our overall export timeline. Western European destinations (Germany, France, Netherlands) tend to clear toward the faster end of that range; Eastern and Southern European destinations may run toward the slower end depending on onward domestic transit.

Frequently Asked Questions — EU Importers

Is it legal to import bare-root succulents from China into the EU?

Yes. Bare-root succulents are importable under the EU Plant Health Regulation with a valid phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. Most common commercial genera do not require additional permits beyond the phytosanitary certificate.

Which EU country should I import through?

Any EU member state with a Border Control Post equipped to inspect plant imports can serve as your entry point. The Netherlands, Germany, and France have the most experienced plant-import infrastructure.

What is TRACES NT and do I need to use it?

TRACES NT is the EU's online platform for pre-notifying plant health authorities of an incoming shipment. As the importer, you or your customs broker typically handle TRACES NT pre-notification using the phytosanitary certificate details we provide before dispatch.