Plant and planting product importers must be aware that the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has changed the way these businesses apply for electronic permits. This change will go into effect on September 27th, 2021, making it critical for businesses in this sector to apply for permits correctly or risk penalties for noncompliance.
The Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) division of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will no longer issue new or renewed Plants for Planting permits (PPQ 587) through APHIS ePermits.
The PPQ 587 import permit will be available in APHIS eFile beginning September 27th, 2021. A PPQ 587 permit will be able to be filed for the following commodities through APHIS eFile:
- Plants for propagation
- Bonsai
- Obscured seeds
- Small lots of seed
- Plants in growing media
- Preclearance bulbs and dormant perennials
- All plants that are not for propagation or planting
Please note that data from APHIS ePermits will not be transferred to APHIS eFile. Users will need to reapply for a renewal in APHIS eFile to obtain a new permit.
Questions regarding APHIS eFile or the PPQ 587 permit may be directed to PPQ Permit Services at 301-851-2046 or plantproducts.permits@usda.gov.