How To Import Plants To US
How to Import Plants from Indonesia to the USA
Importing Tropical Plants from Indonesia to the USA
ORAMICIN ships rare tropical plants from Indonesia to the United States using DHL Express. For eligible live plant shipments, we provide a Phytosanitary Certificate, export documents, DHL invoice, and secure live plant export packaging.
US buyers are responsible for checking APHIS import requirements, obtaining an import permit or permit exemption when required, providing any required APHIS green-and-yellow shipping label, and handling customs duties, taxes, and local import rules.
If you are not sure what documents are needed, please contact us before placing your order.
Quick Summary for US Buyers
- Check whether your plant requires an APHIS import permit.
- Apply for PPQ 587 or permit exemption if required.
- Send your permit and APHIS green-and-yellow shipping label to ORAMICIN if required.
- ORAMICIN prepares the plant, export documents, DHL invoice, and Phytosanitary Certificate for eligible shipments.
- The shipment is sent from Indonesia using DHL Express.
- Customs clearance and APHIS inspection are handled in the United States according to US import requirements.
What ORAMICIN Provides vs What Buyer Must Prepare
| ORAMICIN Provides | Buyer Is Responsible For |
|---|---|
| DHL Express international shipment | Checking APHIS import requirements |
| Free Phytosanitary Certificate for eligible shipments | Applying for PPQ 587 import permit or permit exemption if required |
| Export documents and DHL invoice | Sending APHIS permit and green-and-yellow shipping label if required |
| Secure live plant export packaging | Customs duties, taxes, VAT, local fees, and import clearance |
| Combined shipping whenever possible | Providing correct name, address, phone number, and permit details |
Documents Included in the Shipment
- Phytosanitary Certificate from Indonesia for eligible live plant shipments
- DHL invoice
- Export documents
- Plant list or packing information when required
- Buyer permit or permit exemption copy if provided by the buyer
- APHIS green-and-yellow shipping label if required and provided by the buyer
How to Apply for USDA APHIS / PPQ 587 Permit
To import live plants from Indonesia to the United States, US buyers may need an APHIS import permit depending on the plant species and import requirements. Please follow the instructions below to get a USDA plant import permit through APHIS eFile.
The explanation video is located below this description.
- Navigate to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/
- Choose SIGN UP and fill the form
- Or choose PPQ 587 and click "Get Started"
- Choose Customer
- If you do not have an account, choose CREATE ACCOUNT
- Enter all your details and create an account
- You will receive a confirmation email from DoNotReply.ICAM@usda.gov with the subject “eAuth – Confirm email”. Click the Continue Registration link in the confirmation email.
- Back on the eAuth website, enter your name and set up a password.
Authenticate using Google Authenticator, scan the barcode, and enter the authentication code from your app into the website page.
Then, you can login and fill in your details.
- Enter user ID, usually your email address, and the password you just created.
- Click the link to Verify My Identity.
- Select Verify My Identity Online.
- Agree to the terms of service.
- To begin the verification process, enter your address, phone, birthday, and social security number.
- The system may ask personal identity verification questions. If you are able to answer the questions, your “Verified Account” will be created. If you are not able to answer the online identity verification questions, you can present your Government-issued photo ID at a USDA Local Registration Authority office to have your identity verified.
- Click Continue on the “Identity Verification Success” page.
- Click Continue to Application on the “Account Information” page.
- You should now be in the ePermits system.
- In the future, you can login directly at https://ePermits.aphis.usda.gov.
PPQ 587 Application Form
For importing plants from Indonesia, the PPQ 587 Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products is commonly used.
| APPLICATION FORM | APPLICATION NAME |
|---|---|
| PPQ 525A | Application for Permit to Receive Soil |
| PPQ 526 | Application and Permit to Move Live Plant Pests or Noxious Weeds |
| PPQ 546 | Agreement for Post-entry Quarantine State Screening Notice |
| PPQ 585 | Application for Permit to Import Timber or Timber Products |
| PPQ 586 | Application for Permit to Transit Plants and/or Plant Products, Plant Pests, and/or Associated Soil, through the United States |
| PPQ 587 | Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products |
| PPQ 588 | Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products for Experimental Purposes |
For more details, please download the attached ePermits FAQs.
What Is Necessary for ORAMICIN to Export the Plant to You?
Please provide the following items after making the payment when required by your APHIS permit or import requirements.
- Import permit or permit exemption document
- APHIS green-and-yellow shipping label for each box if required
- Correct buyer name, shipping address, email, and valid phone number for DHL delivery
APHIS Green-and-Yellow Shipping Label
If your APHIS permit requires a green-and-yellow shipping label, please download the label from APHIS eFile and send it to ORAMICIN before shipment. We will print the label in color and attach it to the outside of the package according to the instructions provided with your permit.
Not all shipments require this label. Please check the conditions listed on your APHIS permit.
Please visit for more detail: USDA APHIS | Shipping Requirements for Importing Plant and Plant Products Requiring Green and Yellow (PPQ 508) Labels
Import procedures and requirements may change. Please contact APHIS or your relevant authorities directly for the most current requirements.
Special Plant Restrictions and Protected Plants
Some plants may require additional protected plant permits or documentation, especially CITES-listed plants or restricted species. Please check APHIS and CITES requirements before ordering protected or restricted plants.
Some of the plants may require protected plant permits, such as Rhynchostylis gigantea or other CITES plants. Please see the example document below.
Frequently Asked Questions for US Buyers
Can ORAMICIN ship plants to the USA?
Yes. ORAMICIN can ship eligible live tropical plants from Indonesia to the United States using DHL Express, subject to APHIS import requirements and destination regulations.
Do I need a PPQ 587 import permit?
Many plants for planting require a PPQ 587 import permit. Some items may be exempt, while some plants may have special restrictions. Please check APHIS requirements before ordering.
Does ORAMICIN provide a Phytosanitary Certificate?
Yes. A Phytosanitary Certificate from Indonesia is included for eligible live plant shipments.
Do I need to send my permit to ORAMICIN?
Yes. If your shipment requires a permit, please send a copy of your APHIS permit to ORAMICIN before shipment so it can be included with the package.
Do I need to send a green-and-yellow APHIS label?
If your APHIS permit requires a green-and-yellow shipping label, please download it from APHIS eFile and send it to ORAMICIN before shipment.
Who is responsible for customs duties, taxes, and import clearance?
The buyer is responsible for customs duties, taxes, VAT, local fees, import permits, and compliance with local import regulations.
Can live plants experience shipping stress?
Yes. Minor cosmetic damage, yellowing, soft leaves, or shipping stress may occur during international transit. Please allow the plant time to recover after arrival.
Shipping and Packing Information
If you are wondering how plants are shipped, please visit: SHIPPING INFO.
You can also read our full export and international shipping FAQ here: FAQ Export & International Shipping.
Ready to Order Rare Tropical Plants from Indonesia?
After checking your US import requirements, you can shop ORAMICIN rare tropical plant collections below.
First order offer: Use code FIRSTORDER10 to get 10% off your first order with a minimum purchase of $50.
If you have questions about import requirements, shipping documents, or APHIS labels, please contact ORAMICIN before completing your order.