Figs and US Customs?

AaronT
1338565699

I have a co-worker who is currently in Bosnia for a three-week visit with family. I understand there are some nice fig varieties there and was thinking of asking him to bring me home some cuttings if he chanced across any. Can anyone tell me if cuttings are allowed through customs back into the US? All I can find on CBP.gov that looks applicable is this paragrapg:

Depending on the country of origin, some fruits, vegetables, and plants may be brought into the United States without advance permission, provided they are declared, inspected, and found free of pests. However, certain plants and ANY plant parts intended for growing (propagative) require a foreign phytosanitary certificate in advance. For information on certificates, contact the USDA/APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine Permit Unit at (301) 851-2046 or (877) 770-5990. Also, check the Information Resources section at the end of this notice for details.

Since a cutting is intended for growing it seems like the answer is no, but I thought I read here recently that forum members had successfully brought cuttings back. I don't want to get the guy in any trouble and I don't want to put him at risk of being singled out for special attention or processing (especially since he is travelling with a three-year-old), but I'd really hate to miss a chance to get my hands on something unique if there is no problem.

Aaron

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MichaelTucson
1338568310

Hi Aaron,

I don't know much about the restrictions (maybe some of the grower/commercial guys on this site do?), but here are a couple of thoughts for you:

- a quick scan of the usda.gov site shows some hits when I searched on "import trees". Some of them relate to CBP regs... e.g.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/cut_flower_imports.pdf

(that one includes tables about different countries, though it's possibly about other plant materials).

- Another option you might consider, as a way to keep your co-worker away from some of the risks at customs crossings, would be to ask him to post them (mail system). While that may or may not be allowed to "get through", it'd at least remove the risk of delays at his personal border crossings. (Though I've got no idea about the comparative effort on his part to post rather than carry).

Just a couple of ideas.

Mike central NY state, zone 5

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mgginva
1338588999

Aaron,

I was tempted to bid on cuttings on ebay that originated from Turkey. I called the following guy and asked him what is and isn't ok. Perhaps you'd like to give him a call;

David B. Root

USDA Trade Compliance Officer

410-808-0172

david.b.root@aphis.usda.gov

He came to visit when I bought keffir lime seeds from Thailand in an Ebay auction. He's a good guy.

BTW it was not OK to just bid on fig cuttings and have them shipped from Turkey.

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sammy
1338590683

Aaron.
This winter I bid on some cuttings on ebay from a guy in turkey. He wrote fig cuttings on the envelope and they got as far as Montreal to the Main postal facility and got destroyed there.

I got a refund from the seller though.

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AaronT
1338648227

Thanks for the replies. I think I am going to resist temptation on this one. If after some more research it turns out to be OK I can always ask him to have the family back home mail me some cuttings if I cover the costs.

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pitangadiego
1338650096

It requires a USDA import permit, known at a Post-entry Quarantine Permit or PPQ. See USDA

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Johnson1
1338658680

Here is a brief, condensed overview of what's needed - even for cuttings.

A special word of thanks to those who go through the considerable effort to legally import figs so that others may share in the enjoyment.

From USDA APHIS, http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/index.shtml, you will need form 587 which is a Plant Importation Permit. It may take up to 2 months to be issued.

It's likely form 546, Agreement for Postentry Quarantine, will also be required.
Your state participates in this quarantine with permit and inspection.

A phytosanitary certificate from the departing country saying the plant is free of pests/pathogens.

No soil is permitted on the roots. Bare root or in something like spaghnum, etc.

When all of the above are followed, US Customs allows up to 12 plants to be brought personally into the USA. You will also need all documentation and permits. Any greater quantity and you will need a customs broker.

If that hasn't discouraged you, the plants also have to be inspected at a USDA plant inspection facility and during regular hours. It's difficult but not impossible.

John
zone 9b

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