Vietnam Species Orchids

[estación seca]

dakotablue, you can't legally bring plants back to the US without proper permits. Don't try it. It can be an exceptionally expensive problem. Be sure you understand the import rules on the USDA-APHIS Web site. It would be worth your while to contact a local USDA agent and ask for an explanation.

For orchid species this will involve CITES permits as well - an import permit from the US and an export permit from Vietnam. Smuggling CITES plants can generate extremely expensive fines.

It will also involve declaring the plants to the USDA agent at the first US port of entry. At one time you could bring in a limited number of plants (12) without an import permit, but they would be sent at your expense to an inspection station. If they passed inspection they would be sent at your expense to you. If they didn't pass inspection they would be burned. This system may have changed. You need to know the current laws and rules before trying.

For more than 12 plants a general import permit is needed, as well as a phytosanitary certificate.