Shipping Succulents Internationally — What You Need to Know
Phytosanitary Certificates, Import Permits, and everything you need to receive your succulents legally and safely in the USA, Canada, and Japan.
At Surreal Succulents, we are proud to ship our hand-grown plants to customers in the United States, Canada, and Japan. Sending live plants across international borders is a carefully regulated process — one that protects global plant health and ensures your succulents arrive in perfect condition and fully compliant with the laws of your country.
This guide explains everything you need to know: what a Phytosanitary Certificate is, whether you need an Import Permit, and the simple steps to take before placing your order. Getting this right means no delays at customs and no disappointment at the door.
What Is a Phytosanitary Certificate?
A Phytosanitary Certificate (often called a 'Phyto' or 'PC') is an official government document issued by the plant health authority of the exporting country — in our case, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) here in the United Kingdom. It certifies that the plants in your shipment have been inspected, are free from pests and diseases, and meet the import requirements of your country.
Think of it as a health passport for your plants. Without one, live plant material simply cannot be legally imported into most countries. We arrange this on your behalf as part of the export process, so you never need to worry about the paperwork on our end — but understanding what it is will help you know what to expect, and what you may need to arrange before your order is dispatched.
At a Glance: Requirements by Country
We currently export to three countries outside of the UK — the United States, Canada, and Japan. Each country has its own rules, and the requirements differ depending on where you are and the size of your order. Here is a quick summary before we go into the detail of each one.
United States: A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for all orders. Orders of 13 plants or more also require a valid USDA Import Permit, which must be obtained by the customer prior to dispatch.
Canada: A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for all orders. All customers must also hold a valid Canadian Import Permit regardless of order size.
Japan: A Phytosanitary Certificate is required for all orders. No Import Permit is needed.
In all cases, we take care of the Phytosanitary Certificate from our end. Your responsibility — where applicable — is to have your Import Permit ready and to share the permit number with us before we process your order.
Shipping to the United States
All orders shipped to the United States are accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate, which we arrange through the APHA here in the UK. This document travels with your parcel and is inspected by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) upon entry.
Do I need an Import Permit?
If your order contains 12 plants or fewer, no Import Permit is required — your Phytosanitary Certificate is sufficient for customs clearance. However, if your order is for 13 or more plants, US regulations require you to hold a valid USDA Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products. This permit must be in place before we can dispatch your order, and we will need your permit number to include on the export documentation.
How to apply for a USDA Import Permit:
Applications are submitted online through the USDA APHIS Permits portal at epermits.aphis.usda.gov. You will need to create an account, select the appropriate permit type for plants and plant products, and provide details about the species you intend to import. Processing times can vary, so we recommend applying as early as possible — ideally several weeks before you intend to place your order. Once approved, permits are typically valid for a set period and can cover multiple shipments, so it is worth applying even if you are planning future orders with us.
If you are unsure whether your order quantity will require a permit, please get in touch before placing your order and we will be happy to advise.
Shipping to Canada
Canada has some of the most thorough plant biosecurity requirements in the world, and we fully support that commitment to protecting its incredible natural environment. As with all our international exports, a Phytosanitary Certificate will accompany every order shipped to Canada — this is non-negotiable regardless of order size.
Import Permits are required for all Canadian orders.
Unlike the United States, there is no minimum plant quantity threshold in Canada. Every customer ordering live plants from overseas must hold a valid Import Permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) before we can dispatch their order. This applies whether you are ordering a single plant or a full collection.
How to apply for a CFIA Import Permit:
Applications are made through the CFIA's My CFIA online platform at mycfia.inspection.gc.ca. You will need to register for an account, then apply for an import permit for plants and plant products. Ensure you select the correct commodity type — succulent plants for ornamental use — and provide accurate details about species and country of origin (United Kingdom). Processing times vary, so please allow ample time ahead of your intended order date. Once your permit is approved, please share the permit number with us before placing your order, as this must be referenced on our export documentation.
We know this adds an extra step, but it is a straightforward process and our team is always happy to help guide you through it if you have any questions.
Shipping to Japan
Japan is a wonderful destination for plant enthusiasts, and the country has a deep appreciation for the beauty of succulents. Sending plants to Japan does require a Phytosanitary Certificate on every order, which we arrange as standard — your plants will be inspected and certified before they leave our nursery in Cornwall.
No Import Permit is required for Japan.
This makes ordering from Japan our most straightforward international export in terms of customer paperwork. Once your Phytosanitary Certificate is in place (handled by us), your shipment is cleared to enter Japan through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) plant quarantine process at the port of entry. Your plants may undergo a brief quarantine inspection upon arrival — this is completely normal and nothing to be concerned about.
Simply place your order as normal, and we will handle the rest. If you have any questions specific to importing plants into Japan, we recommend contacting MAFF or your local plant quarantine station for the most up-to-date guidance.
"Every plant we send internationally is hand-inspected, carefully packed, and accompanied by full certification. We grow them in Cornwall — your job is simply to make sure the paperwork is in order at your end."
How the Process Works — Step by Step
We want the process of ordering internationally to be as smooth as possible. Here is a clear overview of what to expect from start to finish.
Step 1 — Check your requirements. Use the country sections above to confirm whether you need an Import Permit before ordering. If you are in Canada, or in the US and ordering 13 or more plants, you will need one. Japan customers and small US orders can skip straight to Step 3.
Step 2 — Apply for your Import Permit. Head to the relevant government portal (USDA APHIS ePermits for the US, My CFIA for Canada) and submit your application. Make a note of your permit number once approved — you will need to share this with us. This step can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Step 3 — Contact us before placing your order. Drop us an email at info@surrealsucculents.co.uk to let us know you are ready to order internationally. If a permit is required, include your permit number. We will confirm everything is in order and advise you on the best time to place your order based on our export schedule.
Step 4 — Place your order. Once everything is confirmed, place your order through the website as normal. We will arrange the Phytosanitary Certificate with the APHA, carefully pack your plants, and dispatch your order with full documentation.
Step 5 — Track your shipment and prepare for arrival. We will send tracking information once your order is on its way. Your plants may pass through a customs or quarantine inspection at the point of entry — this is a routine part of the process and is why the correct documentation matters so much. Once cleared, your plants will be on their way to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Phytosanitary Certificate cost extra?
Yes, there is an additional fee for the Phytosanitary Certificate as this is arranged through the APHA and involves a formal inspection of your plants. This cost is included in your shipping quote for international orders. Please contact us before ordering for a full international shipping quote.
How long does the USDA Import Permit take to process?
Processing times vary but applications can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the time of year and current demand. We strongly recommend applying well in advance. Once approved, your permit is typically valid for several years and covers multiple shipments.
How long does the Canadian CFIA Import Permit take?
Again, this can vary. The My CFIA system is well-organised and most standard applications for ornamental plants are processed within a few weeks. Apply early, and get in touch with us once your permit has been approved.
What happens if my shipment is held at customs?
Correct documentation greatly reduces the likelihood of delays. Providing we have shipped with a valid Phytosanitary Certificate and — where required — your Import Permit number is correctly referenced, your order should clear customs without issue. In the unlikely event of any problem, we will work with you to resolve it.
Can I order from any other countries?
At present, we export live plants exclusively to the United States, Canada, and Japan. If you are based elsewhere and would like to discuss the possibility of an export, please contact us directly and we will do our best to advise.
Get in touch
We hope this page has made international ordering feel a little less daunting. We are incredibly proud to be sending our Cornish-grown succulents to plant lovers across the world, and we want the experience to be just as enjoyable as receiving the plants themselves.
If you have any further questions about international shipping, Import Permits, or anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@surrealsucculents.co.uk — we are always happy to help.
For advice on growing and caring for your succulents once they arrive, explore our full range of Plant Care & Advice guides. We add new content all the time, so consider subscribing to our mailing list so you never miss an update.
