Importing Avocado Scions to USA from Tahiti: Steps & Rules

Importing avocado scions from Tahiti to the USA requires navigating a strict regulatory framework that differs significantly from standard fruit trade. The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service classifies these propagation materials under Plants for Planting regulations to prevent systemic pathogens like viroids.

This guide details the essential steps for Importing Avocado Scions to USA from Tahiti, covering APHIS permit applications, phytosanitary certification by French Polynesian authorities, and precise cold-chain logistics. You will learn how to prepare required documentation, meet labeling standards, and ensure compliance to avoid border rejection.

Can You Import Avocado Scions from Tahiti to the USA?

Yes, you can import avocado scions from Tahiti to the USA, but the process is strictly regulated and differs significantly from importing fruit for consumption. The United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) classifies scions as live plant material intended for propagation, which triggers a specific regulatory pathway under the Plants for Planting regulations found in 7 CFR 319.37. Total US avocado import volumes reached 1.2 million tonnes in 2024 according to CropGPT (trade-data summary). This volume reflects fruit trade; scion imports operate under a separate permit regime designed to prevent the introduction of systemic pathogens like viroids and viruses that are not typically associated with fruit pathways.

APHIS Import Permit requirement for plant material

An APHIS import permit is mandatory for all avocado scions entering the United States from Tahiti. You must apply for the permit through the APHIS ePermits system or by submitting PPQ Form 587 well in advance of the planned shipment. The permit will specify the conditions for entry, including required treatments, port of entry restrictions, and post-entry quarantine requirements if applicable. Without a valid permit in hand before the scions leave French Polynesia, the shipment will be refused entry or destroyed at the US border.

Distinction between fruit and scion regulations

Regulations for avocado fruit focus on surface pests and fruit flies, often allowing cold treatment or fumigation as mitigation. Scion regulations target internal pathogens such as avocado sunblotch viroid and various viruses that reside in the vascular tissue. Because these pathogens cannot be detected by visual inspection of dormant budwood and are not eliminated by standard fruit treatments, scions typically require certification from a pest-free area or a tested mother-block program, and may be subject to post-entry quarantine in a USDA-approved facility.

Phytosanitary Certificate issuance by Tahiti

The phytosanitary certificate must be issued by the official National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of French Polynesia, which operates under the authority of the Direction de l'Agriculture. The certificate must declare that the scions meet all specific additional declarations listed on the APHIS import permit, including statements regarding the pest status of the mother plants and the conditions under which the budwood was produced and handled. Any discrepancy between the permit requirements and the certificate declarations is a primary cause for shipment rejection.

Key Differences: Importing Fruit vs. Importing Scions

Importing avocado fruit and importing avocado scions follow fundamentally different regulatory frameworks because their intended uses and pest risk profiles are distinct. Fruit is regulated as a consumable commodity under 7 CFR 319.56, while scions fall under 7 CFR 319.37 as plants for planting. Total US avocado import volumes reached 1.2 million tonnes in 2024 according to CropGPT (trade-data summary), illustrating the massive scale of fruit trade compared to the highly specialized, low-volume movement of propagation material.

Aspect	Avocado Fruit (Consumption)	Avocado Scions (Propagation)
Primary Regulation	7 CFR 319.56 (Fruits & Vegetables)	7 CFR 319.37 (Plants for Planting)
Pest Risk Focus	Fruit flies, surface insects, external fungi	Systemic viruses, viroids, vascular pathogens
Typical Mitigation	Cold treatment, fumigation, irradiation	Mother plant testing, pest-free area, post-entry quarantine
Documentation	Phytosanitary Certificate + Treatment Certificate	Phytosanitary Certificate + APHIS Import Permit + Additional Declarations
Port of Entry	Multiple designated ports	Limited to ports with Plant Inspection Stations
Volume (2024 Context)		Specialized research/commercial shipments only

The table above highlights that fruit imports rely heavily on post-harvest treatments to neutralize external pests, allowing high-volume trade from major producers. Scion imports, by contrast, depend on pre-export verification of the mother plant's health status because systemic pathogens cannot be treated after harvest. This makes the scion pathway more document-intensive, slower, and restricted to specific approved facilities and ports capable of handling live plant material.

Obtain an APHIS Import Permit

Application process via the USDA APHIS website

You get an APHIS import permit for avocado scions by submitting an electronic application through the USDA APHIS ePermits system. Create an eAuth account, select the PPQ Form 587 for plants for planting, and designate the commodity as avocado (Persea americana) scion wood originating from French Polynesia. The system requires the scientific name, plant part, intended use, and the specific port of entry equipped with a Plant Inspection Station. Attach any supporting documents such as a pest risk assessment or previous correspondence with APHIS. According to CropGPT (trade-data summary), Peru expanded its avocado exports to the United States to 66,000 tonnes in 2024, illustrating the volume context for regulated pathways even though scion shipments remain specialized and low-volume. CropGPT

Specific pest risk analysis requirements

APHIS requires a pest risk analysis that addresses systemic pathogens specific to avocado such as sunblotch viroid, root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi), and vascular wilts that cannot be eliminated by post-harvest treatment. The application must reference the exporting country's pest status for these organisms and detail the mother plant testing protocol, pest-free place of production verification, and any required additional declarations. APHIS evaluates whether the phytosanitary measures proposed by the French Polynesian authority meet U.S. entry requirements under 7 CFR 319.37. If a specific import authorization does not already exist for avocado scions from Tahiti, APHIS may initiate a new commodity import approval process which adds significant review time.

Timeline for permit approval

Standard permit processing takes 30 to 60 calendar days after a complete application is received. Complex cases requiring a new pest risk analysis or commodity import approval can extend to 120 days or longer. APHIS may request additional information during review which pauses the clock until the applicant responds. Permits are typically valid for three years and authorize multiple shipments under the same conditions. Apply well in advance of the planned shipping season because scion wood has a narrow collection and viability window. Delays in permit issuance are the most common cause of missed shipping windows for live plant material.

Secure a Phytosanitary Certificate from Tahiti

Contacting the Office de la Protection Végétale

You obtain a phytosanitary certificate for avocado scions by requesting inspection services from the Office de la Protection Végétale (OPV) under the Direction de l'Agriculture in French Polynesia. Submit a formal request detailing the exporter and importer information, consignment size, botanical name, plant part, and the U.S. import permit number. The OPV schedules a field inspection of the mother plants during the active growing season to verify freedom from regulated pests. Coordinate the inspection date with the scion collection schedule because certification is tied to a specific production cycle. The OPV operates under the authority of the French Pacific Plant Protection Organization and follows International Plant Protection Convention standards.

Inspection and certification procedures

OPV inspectors visit the registered nursery or orchard to visually examine mother plants for symptoms of viruses, viroids, fungi, bacteria, and nematodes. They verify that the production site meets pest-free place of production requirements for quarantine pests listed on the U.S. import permit. Inspectors may collect samples for laboratory testing if required by the additional declarations. The scion wood itself is inspected at harvest and again at packing to confirm identity, condition, and freedom from hitchhiking pests. The phytosanitary certificate is issued only after all inspections and tests are passed and must accompany the shipment in original form.

Specific declarations required on the certificate

The phytosanitary certificate must include additional declarations specified on the APHIS import permit. Typical declarations for avocado scions certify that mother plants were tested and found free of avocado sunblotch viroid, that the scions originate from a pest-free area for specific fruit flies and thrips, and that the material was treated or produced under a systems approach for Phytophthora cinnamomi. The certificate must state the treatment method, date, and concentration if any chemical treatment was applied. The value of US avocado imports from Mexico was almost 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, highlighting the economic stakes that drive stringent phytosanitary requirements for all avocado pathways. Statista

Required Documents for Customs Clearance

Customs clearance for avocado scions requires a specific set of documents that verify regulatory compliance and commercial details. Missing or inaccurate paperwork is the most common cause of delays at the port of entry. The importer of record is responsible for ensuring every document matches the shipment contents and permit conditions exactly.

APHIS Import Permit details

The APHIS import permit (PPQ Form 587) authorizes the specific entry of avocado scions from French Polynesia. The permit lists the approved port of entry, required additional declarations, and any mandatory post-entry quarantine or treatment protocols. The permit number must appear on the commercial invoice and the phytosanitary certificate. A copy of the valid permit must accompany the shipping documents presented to CBP. Permits are typically valid for three years but expire if regulations change or if the permit holder violates conditions. Importers should verify the permit expiration date before booking shipment space.

Phytosanitary Certificate specifications

The phytosanitary certificate issued by the Direction de l'Agriculture in Tahiti must be the original paper document with a wet ink signature and official seal. It must reference the APHIS permit number and include every additional declaration listed on that permit. The certificate must state the botanical name Persea americana, the quantity and number of scions, the origin location, and the date of inspection. Any treatment applied must be recorded with the chemical name, concentration, temperature, duration, and date. Photocopies or digital scans are not accepted for the initial entry; the original travels with the shipment and is surrendered to CBP or PPQ at the port of entry.

Commercial Invoice and Packing List requirements

The commercial invoice must be in English and show the seller and buyer names and addresses, a detailed description of the goods as "avocado scions (Persea americana)", the quantity in number of pieces, the unit value and total value in US dollars, and the country of origin as French Polynesia. The packing list must mirror the invoice quantities and detail the number of boxes, the weight of each box, and the dimensions. Both documents must match the phytosanitary certificate exactly. Discrepancies in piece counts or cultivar names between the invoice and the phytosanitary certificate trigger an immediate hold for verification. The HTS code 0602.20.0000 for trees shrubs and bushes grafted or not should be referenced on the invoice for duty assessment.

Document	Issuing Authority	Key Required Fields	Original Required	Validity Window
APHIS Import Permit (PPQ 587)	USDA APHIS	Permit number, port of entry, additional declarations, expiration date	Copy accepted	Up to 3 years
Phytosanitary Certificate	Direction de l'Agriculture (Tahiti)	Botanical name, quantity, origin, treatment details, additional declarations, wet signature	Yes, original	14 days typical
Commercial Invoice	Exporter / Seller	Seller/buyer info, description, quantity, value USD, HTS 0602.20.0000, country of origin	Copy accepted	Per shipment
Packing List	Exporter / Shipper	Box count, piece count per box, gross/net weight, dimensions	Copy accepted	Per shipment

The table above summarizes the four core documents required for every avocado scion shipment from Tahiti. The phytosanitary certificate is the only document that must travel as an original with a wet ink signature. The APHIS permit copy, commercial invoice, and packing list can be transmitted electronically to the customs broker before arrival to pre-file the entry. Ensure the HTS code 0602.20.0000 appears on the invoice to secure the duty-free treatment available for live plants for planting. Any mismatch in cultivar names or piece counts across these four documents will result in a documentary hold and potential re-export at the importer's expense.

Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Live Plant Material

Packaging for avocado scions must protect the living tissue from physical damage, desiccation, and pest contamination while meeting APHIS requirements for phytosanitary security. The packaging system is inspected at origin and again at the US port of entry. Non-compliant packaging results in immediate rejection or mandatory re-export.

Clean and pest-free packaging materials

All packaging materials must be new, clean, and free of soil, plant debris, and pest evidence. Boxes must be constructed of corrugated fiberboard or wood that meets ISPM 15 standards if wood is used. Internal packing material such as sphagnum moss, paper, or vermiculite must be sterile or commercially produced and certified pest-free. Used boxes, banana boxes, or containers that previously held fruit or soil are prohibited. The scions are typically wrapped in damp but not wet sterile paper or polyethylene bags with ventilation holes to maintain humidity without encouraging fungal growth. Each bundle of scions should be secured to prevent shifting that damages bud wood or bark.

Labeling requirements for origin and species

Every exterior box must display a label with the following information: the words "Live Plants - Perishable" or "Plant Material - Perishable", the botanical name Persea americana, the common name "avocado scions", the country of origin "French Polynesia", the APHIS import permit number, the phytosanitary certificate number, the name and address of the consignee, and the name and address of the consignor. Labels must be waterproof and legible. If the shipment contains multiple cultivars, each inner bundle must be labeled with the cultivar name and that information must match the packing list and phytosanitary certificate. The port of entry designated on the permit must be clearly marked on the master air waybill and the outer boxes.

Preventing cross-contamination during transit

Shipments must be palletized and shrink-wrapped or strapped to prevent boxes from separating during air freight handling. The pallet must be clean and free of bark or soil. No other commodities, including avocado fruit, may be co-loaded in the same master carton or pallet as the scions. The air waybill must declare the contents as "Avocado Scions (Persea americana) - Live Plant Material - Requires PPQ Inspection". The freight forwarder must be instructed to keep the shipment in the cool chain at 2 to 4 degrees Celsius from cold storage in Tahiti through to the PPQ inspection station at the US airport. Temperature excursions above 10 degrees Celsius risk breaking bud dormancy and encouraging pathogen development. A temperature data logger inside one box provides evidence of cold chain integrity for the receiving nursery and for any insurance claim.

Shipping and Logistics from French Polynesia to the USA

Express courier vs. standard freight options

Express courier services such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS are the primary shipping method for avocado scions because transit time must not exceed 48 to 72 hours from cut to inspection. Standard air freight consolidators rarely offer the priority handling and cold-chain monitoring required for dormant budwood. Couriers provide door-to-door tracking, automated customs pre-clearance filing, and temperature-controlled containers validated for pharmaceutical shipments. Standard freight may be used only if a dedicated cool-chain unit is booked on a passenger flight with guaranteed ramp-to-ramp times under 24 hours. The shipper in Tahiti must confirm the courier accepts live plants at the Faa'a International Airport drop-off point and that the US port of entry has a PPQ inspection station operating at the arrival hour.

Temperature and humidity control during transit

Shipments must maintain a constant 2 to 4 degrees Celsius from the Tahiti cold store through the PPQ inspection station. Gel packs conditioned to 4 degrees Celsius surround the inner bundles inside an insulated shipper rated for 72-hour performance. Dry ice is prohibited because sub-zero temperatures kill avocado buds. A single-use USB temperature logger placed in the center box records the full profile for the receiving nursery and insurance purposes. Relative humidity inside the sealed inner bags should stay near 95 percent to prevent desiccation without encouraging condensation that spreads fungal spores, according to Fresh Fruit Portal (2024-25). The master air waybill must display "Perishable Live Plants - Maintain 2-4°C" on all faces.

Handling procedures for fragile plant material

Scions are packed in bundles of 10 to 20 wrapped in damp sterile sphagnum moss and sealed in perforated polyethylene sleeves. These inner bundles lay flat in rigid corrugated boxes with ventilation holes aligned to the pallet air gaps. Boxes are stacked no more than three high on a clean heat-treated pallet and secured with corner boards and stretch wrap to prevent shifting during turbulence. No other commodities may share the pallet. The freight forwarder must be instructed in writing to avoid X-ray screening that can damage meristematic tissue and to keep the shipment upright during forklift moves. A "This Side Up" label on every face of the pallet reinforces orientation.

Customs Entry and CBP Procedures

Filing the entry summary

The customs broker files CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary electronically via ABI before the flight departs Tahiti. The entry uses HTS code 0602.20.0000 for avocado scions and references the APHIS import permit number and the phytosanitary certificate number in the PG10 and PG14 Partner Government Agency data sets. The importer of record must have a continuous bond on file with sufficient coverage for the shipment value plus potential liquidated damages. The commercial invoice states the botanical name Persea americana, the cultivar names, the country of origin as French Polynesia, and the unit price per scion for valuation. Entry type 01 consumption is standard unless the material enters a quarantine facility under entry type 21.

Presentation of documents to CBP

Upon arrival the broker presents the original phytosanitary certificate, the APHIS import permit, the commercial invoice, the packing list, and the air waybill to CBP at the designated port of entry. CBP verifies the seal numbers on the pallet match the air waybill and releases the shipment to the PPQ inspection station. The broker must be available by phone during the inspection window to answer classification questions or provide missing data elements. If the port operates a centralized examination station the pallet moves under CBP seal to that facility. Delays in document handoff add storage fees at the airline cargo terminal which accrue hourly after the free-time period expires.

Potential for physical inspection by APHIS

PPQ inspectors open a statistical sample of boxes at the inspection station to verify freedom from soil, pests, and prohibited plant parts. They check that cultivar labels match the phytosanitary certificate and that budwood meets the diameter and length specifications in the permit. If a live pest is found the shipment is refused entry and the importer chooses re-export, destruction, or treatment if an approved protocol exists for that pest. Treatment with methyl bromide at the port is rarely approved for avocado scions because it breaks dormancy. The inspection typically concludes within four hours of arrival if documentation is complete and the cold chain is intact. The broker receives the PPQ Form 287 release notice or a notice of action for non-compliance.

Estimated Costs and Duties (HTS Codes)

HTS code classification for scions

Avocado scions enter under HTS code 0602.20.00 which covers trees shrubs and bushes grafted or not of kinds which bear edible fruit or nuts. This classification carries a zero percent most favored nation duty rate so no customs duty applies. The merchandise processing fee applies per entry with a minimum and maximum set by CBP. The harbor maintenance fee of 0.125 percent applies only to ocean shipments. Correct classification avoids misrouting to cut flower codes or fresh fruit codes which trigger different inspection regimes and potential penalties.

APHIS permit fee structure

APHIS charges a $94 application fee for the PPQ 587 permit covering up to three taxa. Each additional taxon adds $15. The permit is valid for three years and covers multiple shipments. If a post entry quarantine requirement applies the importer must budget for a state approved facility which typically charges $50 to $150 per day per pallet. There is no separate federal inspection fee at the port for plant material cleared under a valid permit.

Shipping and brokerage cost estimates

Air freight from Faa'a International Airport to Los Angeles or Miami varies by carrier and season for temperature controlled service including fuel surcharges. A typical 50 kilogram consignment of budwood in insulated boxes costs $225 to $350 door to airport. Customs brokerage for a live plant entry varies by broker and shipment complexity including ISF filing and CBP entry summary. Phytosanitary certificate issuance by the Direction de l'Agriculture in Tahiti costs approximately XPF 5000. Total landed cost for a small commercial shipment typically falls between $800 and $1500.

Cost Component	Estimated Range (USD)	Frequency	Notes
HTS 0602.20.00 Duty	0%	Per entry	MFN rate
Merchandise Processing Fee	Per CBP schedule	Per entry
APHIS Permit (PPQ 587)	$94 base + $15/taxon	Every 3 years	Covers multiple shipments
Air Freight (PPT-LAX/MIA)	Varies by carrier	Per shipment	Temp controlled
Customs Brokerage	Varies by broker	Per shipment	Includes ISF
Phytosanitary Certificate	~$45 (XPF 5000)	Per shipment	Tahiti authority fee

The table above shows the primary cost drivers for a typical avocado scion import from Tahiti. Duty is zero but the merchandise processing fee creates a floor cost even for low value shipments. Air freight dominates variable cost and scales linearly with weight. The APHIS permit amortizes over three years making it negligible per shipment for regular importers. Brokerage fees are fixed per entry so consolidating multiple cultivars into one shipment improves unit economics. Post entry quarantine costs are excluded because they apply only when the permit mandates state supervised growing periods.

Common Reasons for Rejection or Quarantine

Presence of regulated pests

Live insects mites nematodes or pathogens on scion wood trigger immediate rejection. Avocado thrips persea mite and avocado lace bug are actionable pests frequently intercepted on budwood from French Polynesia. Fungal pathogens such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose and Phytophthora cinnamomi causing root rot result in destruction orders. Inspectors examine budwood under magnification for egg masses larval tunnels and fungal sporulation. A single live regulated pest in the statistical sample causes the entire lot to be refused entry.

Missing or incorrect documentation

The phytosanitary certificate must match the permit exactly including scientific name cultivar name quantity and treatment declarations. A missing additional declaration for cold treatment or hot water dip invalidates the certificate. Discrepancies between the commercial invoice the packing list and the phytosanitary certificate cause CBP holds. The import permit number must appear on the air waybill and the phytosanitary certificate. Expired permits or permits that do not list the specific avocado cultivars in the shipment result in refusal.

Improper packaging or labeling

Scions must ship in new clean pest proof packaging. Used cardboard boxes or boxes with soil residue are prohibited. Each bundle requires a label stating the scientific name cultivar permit number and country of origin. Labels written only in French without English translation delay inspection. Budwood exceeding the diameter or length limits specified in the permit is considered non compliant. Lack of temperature monitoring devices or evidence of cold chain breach during transit leads to quarantine for viability testing.

Conclusion

Successfully importing avocado scions from Tahiti to the USA requires strict adherence to APHIS regulations and meticulous documentation. The process begins with securing an import permit and obtaining a valid phytosanitary certificate from Tahitian authorities. Proper packaging and labeling are essential to prevent pest introduction and ensure compliance with customs standards. Importers must also navigate customs entry procedures and be prepared for potential inspections by agricultural specialists. Working with experienced customs brokers can streamline the process and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance. By following these steps and understanding the specific rules for plant material, businesses can legally introduce new avocado varieties to the U.S. market. This careful approach protects domestic agriculture while enabling access to unique genetic resources.

Related reading: Understanding US Labeling Rules for Imported Home-Textile Sets, Soybean Export Phytosanitary Rules - A Complete Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to import avocado scions to the USA from Tahiti?

You must obtain an APHIS import permit (PPQ Form 587) via ePermits and a phytosanitary certificate from the Direction de l'Agriculture in Tahiti with specific additional declarations. The scions must originate from mother plants tested free of avocado sunblotch viroid and other systemic pathogens. Entry is limited to ports with a USDA Plant Inspection Station.

What documents are required to import avocado scions to the USA from Tahiti?

The mandatory documents are the original phytosanitary certificate with wet ink signature, a valid APHIS import permit, a commercial invoice in English, and a packing list matching the certificate exactly. The invoice must reference HTS code 0602.20.0000 and the permit number. Digital copies of the phytosanitary certificate are not accepted for initial entry.

Where can I find a PDF template for the required import documents?

APHIS provides the PPQ Form 587 application template and permit samples on the USDA ePermits website. The phytosanitary certificate format follows the IPPC standard model certificate issued by the Direction de l'Agriculture; exporters in Tahiti request this directly from the Office de la Protection Végétale. Commercial invoice and packing list templates are standard trade documents available from freight forwarders.

What are the costs to import avocado scions to the USA from Tahiti?

Costs include the APHIS permit application fee (currently $94 for commercial permits), phytosanitary certificate fees charged by the Tahitian NPPO, laboratory testing fees for mother plants, and freight for refrigerated air cargo. Additional expenses may include post-entry quarantine space rental at a USDA-approved facility and customs broker fees. Total cost varies significantly by shipment size and variety.

What is the HTS code for avocado scions?

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule code is 0602.20.0000 for trees, shrubs, and bushes, grafted or not, of a kind that bears edible fruit or nuts. This code covers avocado scion wood imported for propagation. The code must appear on the commercial invoice for customs duty assessment and CBP entry filing.

Do avocado scions need a phytosanitary certificate?

Yes, a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization of French Polynesia is mandatory for every shipment. It must contain all additional declarations required by the APHIS import permit, including mother plant testing results and pest-free area status. The original paper certificate with wet ink signature must accompany the shipment.

Can I import avocado scions from French Polynesia?

Yes, importation is permitted provided you secure an APHIS import permit authorizing avocado scions from French Polynesia and meet all phytosanitary conditions. There is no blanket ban, but the pathway requires mother plant certification for systemic pathogens like sunblotch viroid. The permit will specify if post-entry quarantine is required.

What pests are regulated for avocado imports to the USA?

For scions, APHIS regulates systemic pathogens including avocado sunblotch viroid, Phytophthora cinnamomi (root rot), and vascular wilt fungi, plus arthropods like avocado thrips and seed weevils. Fruit imports target fruit flies and surface pests. The specific regulated pest list for scions from Tahiti is defined on the APHIS import permit additional declarations.

How long does it take to get an APHIS permit for scions?

Standard processing takes 30 to 60 calendar days after a complete application is submitted via ePermits. If a new pest risk analysis or commodity import approval is needed because no prior authorization exists for Tahiti, the timeline can extend to 120 days or longer. Permits are typically valid for three years once issued.

Is there a ban on avocado imports from Tahiti?

There is no ban on avocado scions from Tahiti, but the pathway is restricted to the Plants for Planting regulations under 7 CFR 319.37. Avocado fruit from French Polynesia is not currently authorized for entry under 7 CFR 319.56 due to fruit fly risks. Scions require a specific permit and phytosanitary certification for systemic pathogens.

What are the packaging requirements for avocado scions?

Scions must be packed in new, clean, pest-proof containers such as sealed plastic bags inside sturdy cardboard boxes to prevent contamination and maintain viability. Each package must be labeled with the botanical name, quantity, permit number, and consignee information. Packing materials must be free of soil, plant debris, and unapproved organic matter.

Do I need a customs broker for avocado scions?

A licensed customs broker is highly recommended because live plant entries require formal entry filing, HTS classification under 0602.20.0000, and coordination with CBP and PPQ at the Plant Inspection Station. The broker ensures the commercial invoice, permit, and phytosanitary certificate match exactly to avoid holds. Importers of record can self-file but assume full liability for compliance errors.

Sources

• CropGPT (trade-data summary) (2024): United States avocado imports (volume)
• Statista (2024): US avocado imports from Mexico (value)
• Fresh Fruit Portal (2024-25): Hass share of California avocado crop