When a returning US citizen hobby orchid grower carries a small number of
orchids (?less than 12?) into the US, it appears that we encounter differing
treatment from US Customs depending on the port of entry and the officials on
duty. That having been said, what is the definitive protocol as to how a small
number of orchids are to be handled by Customs and USDA when they are hand
carried into the US? When is it proper for the plants to be diverted to the
Plant Inspection Station? The bare root plants would be inspected by officials
of the foreign country and properly providing the CITES and Phyto-Sanitary
documents. The plants might be a mix of hybrids and species. In addition are
flasks exempt from CITES and with a Phyto-Sanitary certificate, are they
allowed to be carried into the US? I'm referring to a hobbyist who does not
hold any import/export permit and is not using the services of a broker.
If you can advise, perhaps you can provide reference to the
regulation/ordinance as well. With hopes of getting a straight answer, I am
submitting a similar inquiry to the US Customs Dept as well. Thanks, Lee
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