U.S. importers should secure agricultural permits for shipments far in advance of their transport. When a shipment arrives at a PPQ plant inspection station, PPQ inspectors collect phytosanitary certificates from the importers. Typically, inspectors examine samples taken from each variety of plant and seed being imported. The inspection process includes a meticulous examination of the leaves, stems, roots, and seeds of the plant. With the exception of only a few specified types, plants must not be rooted in growing media, such as soil, because insects, diseases, and noxious weeds could be hidden there.
Inspectors also ensure that the plants are a manageable size for the inspection process.
When PPQ inspectors discover a pest, disease, or noxious weed, they ensure that an accurate identification is made as soon as possible. PPQ inspectors refer all such interceptions to the appropriate identifiers who examine them and determine the extent of harm they could cause. If an identifier determines that an organism is actionable, meaning it is a known plant pest and does not exist in the United States or it exists in limited distribution, the plants undergo a quarantine treatment, are reexported, or destroyed. After the required fumigation treatment, the inspector releases the plants to the importer and allows them to enter the country. Should an identifier determine that the organism is not harmful and poses no economic threat to U.S. agriculture, the inspector releases the plants to the importer.