Customs Clearance Procedures for Seedling Exports

Nursery stock is classified as a statutory inspection commodity under regulations governing the export of seeds, seedlings, and flowers; as such, it is subject to mandatory customs quarantine supervision. The process is broadly divided into four core stages: 1. Preliminary Qualification Registration; 2. Domestic Origin Quarantine Inspection; 3. Port Customs Declaration and Release; and 4. Import Clearance in the Destination Country.

I. Essential Pre-Export Qualifications (Must be obtained in advance of shipment; cannot be processed retroactively)

1. Basic Enterprise Qualifications

1) Import and Export Operation Rights (Customs Registration, "Electronic Port" System Access); 2) Registration Certificate for Enterprises Engaged in the Production and Operation of Export Seeds, Seedlings, and Flowers (A core qualification, valid for 3 years).

Application Channel: Online application via the "Internet + Customs" platform, followed by on-site customs verification of the nursery base, plant protection system, and pest/disease monitoring records.

Mandatory Requirements: Possession of (or a cooperative agreement for) an export-designated nursery; no major plant pest or disease outbreaks within the past two years; employment of dedicated plant protection personnel; and maintenance of complete records regarding nursery cultivation and pest/disease control.

2. Additional Documentation for Specialized Nursery Stock

1) Endangered Species (e.g., Ginkgo, Yew, Podocarpus): An "Import and Export Permit for Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora" (Endangered Species Permit), issued by the Office of Import and Export Management of Endangered Wild Fauna and Flora under the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. 2) Genetically Modified (GM) Nursery Stock: A "Biosafety Certificate for Genetically Modified Organisms," issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. 3) Requirements Specific to Certain Countries: Reports on the testing of cultivation media, and/or Fumigation/Disinfection Certificates.

3. Verify Destination Country Quarantine Requirements in Advance (A Top Priority)

Entry standards vary significantly across different countries:

Australia, New Zealand, and the EU: Prohibit the presence of native soil; cultivation media must be sterilized; mandatory supplementary quarantine declarations are required; and post-entry quarantine cultivation/observation is enforced.

Southeast Asia: Generally require an official Phytosanitary Certificate; some countries mandate fumigation of the entire shipping container.

Confirm in Advance: Whether "bare-root" seedlings or seedlings with an intact "soil ball" (root ball) are permitted; whether a Certificate of Origin is required; and whether the IPPC fumigation mark is required on any wooden packaging materials. 

II. Complete Domestic Export Clearance Process (Local Quarantine Inspection → Port Customs Declaration & Release)

Stage 1: Preparation of Goods and Pre-treatment of Nursery Stock (To be completed before inspection declaration)

Soil Removal: The vast majority of countries strictly prohibit the importation of natural soil; therefore, the roots of bare-root seedlings must be washed, and the soil balls of balled-and-burlapped stock must be replaced with sterile growth media.

Pest and Disease Control: 7–15 days prior to export, the entire nursery area must be sprayed with insecticides and fungicides; diseased leaves and insect nests must be removed to ensure the complete absence of live insects, insect eggs, and disease lesions.

Packaging Standards: Use breathable cardboard cartons or plastic crates; wooden outer packaging must bear the IPPC fumigation mark. For bare-root seedlings, roots must be wrapped to retain moisture; for air-freighted stock, temperature-controlled packaging is required.

Documentation Preparation: Foreign trade contract, commercial invoice, packing list, nursery self-inspection records, and a copy of the nursery's registration certificate.

Stage 2: Local Customs Inspection Declaration (The core stage of statutory inspection; declared 1–2 days prior to shipment)

Declaration Channels: International Trade "Single Window" system / "Internet + Customs" platform; electronic inspection documents are submitted via these channels.

On-site Customs Quarantine and Inspection Scope:

Verification of nursery stock variety, quantity, and Latin scientific names against accompanying documents.

Examination of plants: Checking for the presence of live insects, fungal diseases, weed seeds, or residual soil.

Inspection of cultivation media, outer packaging, and IPPC marks.

Suspicious samples may be sent to a laboratory for testing to detect quarantine pests.

Handling of Quarantine Results:

Compliant: Customs issues an electronic "Clearance Certificate for Export Goods" and issues an official Phytosanitary Certificate; the certificate travels with the shipment.

Non-compliant: Fumigation or chemical pest-eradication treatments may be permitted, followed by a re-inspection. If the issues cannot be resolved through treatment, the entire batch is prohibited from export and must be returned or destroyed. Stage 3: Port Customs Declaration and Release (Upon arrival of cargo at the terminal / airport bonded warehouse)

Upload of Customs Declaration Documents to the "Single Window" System:

Basic Documents: Customs Power of Attorney, Contract, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Electronic Customs Clearance Certificate for Export Goods, Phytosanitary Certificate;

Additional Documents: Certificate of Origin, CITES Permit (Endangered Species Permit), Fumigation Certificate (as required by the destination country);

Customs System Document Review + Random Inspection/Verification:

Paperless verification of document information; for cargo flagged for inspection, on-site verification of the seedlings, packaging, and certificates is conducted;

No anomalies detected during inspection → System releases cargo → Cargo is loaded onto vessel / aircraft for export;

Note: Once local quarantine inspection has been successfully completed, customs declaration for export may be processed at any port nationwide.

III. Import Clearance Process in the Destination Country (Overseas) — (Buyer is responsible; Seller cooperates by providing necessary documents)

1. Advance Transmission of Documents to the Buyer (Prior to Cargo Arrival)

Scanned copies of the complete set of clearance documents: Original Phytosanitary Certificate, Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading / Air Waybill, Fumigation Certificate, CITES Permit (if applicable).

2. Customs and Quarantine Declaration at the Destination Port

The Importer / Local Customs Broker files a declaration with the destination country's agricultural quarantine authority;

On-site Inspection by Official Quarantine Officers:

Verification of the authenticity of the official Chinese Phytosanitary Certificate, seedling varieties, growing media, and absence of pests or diseases;

Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea mandate laboratory testing via random sampling;

Quarantine Disposition:

Approved: Immediate release; proceed with customs clearance and cargo collection;

Harmful Pests Detected: Three possible courses of action: ① Fumigation of the entire container to eradicate pests; ② Isolation and cultivation of seedlings for observation over a period of 1–3 months; ③ Refusal of entry—cargo must be returned to origin or destroyed on-site, with all associated losses borne by the Shipper. IV. Checklist of Core Documents for Seedling Export Customs Clearance

Essential Basic Documents

Registration Certificate for Enterprises Exporting Seedlings and Flowers;

Phytosanitary Certificate issued by Customs (Globally recognized; mandatory verification at the port of destination);

Customs Clearance Form for Export Goods (Electronic);

Foreign Trade Contract, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List;

Ocean Bill of Lading / Air Waybill;

IPPC Fumigation Certificate (Applicable to wooden packaging).

Supplementary Documents (As Required)

GSP Certificate of Origin (Form A) / General Certificate of Origin (CO) (For tariff reductions/exemptions);

Endangered Seedlings: Permit for the Import and Export of Wild Fauna and Flora;

Sterility Test Report for Cultivation Media;

Additional Quarantine Declarations required by the destination country.

V. High-Frequency Customs Clearance Risks and Key Points to Avoid Pitfalls

Nursery Lacks Export Registration: Inspection declaration is impossible, resulting in an outright inability to export;

Seedlings Containing Natural Soil: Shipments to Europe, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand will face immediate rejection—the entire container will be returned or destroyed;

Errors in Phytosanitary Certificate Information: Discrepancies between the certificate (variety, quantity, Latin scientific name) and the actual cargo will result in cargo detention at the port of destination;

Detection of Pests or Diseases: Disinfestation/eradication measures must be completed prior to export; strict pest control within the nursery is mandatory;

Wooden Packaging Lacks IPPC Mark: Foreign customs authorities will detain the container, and mandatory fumigation will incur substantial costs;

Expiration of Quarantine Validity: Phytosanitary Certificates typically have a validity period of 14–21 days; the certificate's validity must be carefully coordinated with the vessel's departure schedule.