Importing Orchids from Around the World

Essential Documentation

Stage 1: You will need a CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) export permit from the exporter in the country of origin. This is needed well in advance in order to apply for an import permit from our DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

Stage 2: The CITES export permit along with an application form should sent to DEFRA at least a month in advance. The process can take a long time and it costs £75 per genus.

Stage 3: Also, you will need a copy of a PC (Phytosanitary Certificate) from the country of origin. This is a declaration from their plant health authority to confirm that the orchids have been inspected and are free from pests and diseases. To get the PC you must register as an importer on the government’s Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS). This is so you can notify the authorities online about the incoming consignment and digitally send a copy of the PC at least four days before the import arrives. The actual PC should arrive with the orchid. The cost the cost of the PC process can vary depending on quantity and number of different genera.

Stage 4: Orchids must enter the UK at a designated Border Control Point capable of handling plants, where documentary, identity, and physical checks will be conducted. Fees for these checks can also apply.

Job done? For a hobby grower, this is very difficult and costly because the process has really been designed for the commercial trade importing in large quantities.

Warning: Even if you have done all the above, I am aware of people being unlucky and their orchids were blocked by Customs or even Border Force.

Exemptions: (a) Cut flowers do not require a CITES permit or a PC.
(b) Orchids in sealed flasks do not need CITES permits but they still need a PC.
(c) Some hybrids – Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Vandas, & Cymbidiums do not need CITES but need a PC. (problematic trade regulations may also apply).

Warning: Beware of world websites promising to provide all the paperwork; they can provide the export documents for their own country. You have to apply for CITES permits etc . Failure to this can result in your plants being seized, fines, or even imprisonment.

Advice: This can be a minefield; it is complicated, expensive and confiscation might be the end result. Why not support our accredited UK orchid trade, the BBC GWL International Orchid Show, and/or get involved with the BOC Conservation Project. The aim is to get rare and interesting orchids shared out around our BOC members.
Back in the pre-BREXIT days I used to do lots of import paperwork for foreign trade coming over for the Peterborough and Malvern shows. It got more and more complicated after BREXIT and I had to stop.

By Chris Barker