Documentation · Phytosanitary · Packing

Clean paperwork.
Smooth clearance.
Every time.

Importing live plants across international borders is complex — but it doesn't have to be stressful. SouthQuest Farm manages the entire Chinese export compliance chain, leaving you free to focus on your customers.

What We Handle

The full export compliance chain — managed by us

Every SouthQuest shipment includes a complete documentation package prepared by our in-house compliance team. We work directly with China's GACC inspection authority and have shipped to all major markets including the USA, EU member states, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada.

Our documentation package is reviewed against the destination country's current phytosanitary import requirements before every shipment — so what we provide is always current, not a generic template.

Official Phytosanitary Certificate (GACC issued)
Commercial Invoice with correct HS tariff codes
Detailed Packing List (species, quantity, size)
Airway Bill / courier tracking number
Country-specific declarations (USDA, MAFF, FERA)
Export compliance documentation and phytosanitary certificates for succulent shipment
Packing Standards

Our 6-Layer Packing Protocol

Every packaging decision we've made is the result of years of transit data and a relentless focus on arrival health rates above 97%.

Plants are removed from their growing medium 5–7 days before the ship date. They are moved to a sheltered area with reduced watering to allow roots to callous naturally. This "hardening" phase dramatically reduces rot risk during transit by lowering plant moisture content to an optimal range. Plants are inspected daily during this phase and any showing signs of weakness are replaced.
Each plant is individually wrapped in biodegradable breathable cotton paper. This serves two functions: it prevents physical abrasion of delicate leaf surfaces during transit vibration, and its breathable nature prevents moisture condensation that could cause rot. The wrap is secured at the base, leaving the rosette exposed to air circulation within the carton.
Each wrapped specimen receives a plant tag with the full Latin species/cultivar name, size designation, and a batch code linking it to the phytosanitary certificate. For collector orders, we include extended labels with known parentage and propagation date. Correct naming is a core commitment — we never substitute unlabelled plants.
Wrapped plants are arranged vertically in double-walled export cartons with a base layer of organic shredded paper nesting. Additional shredded paper is packed between and above plants to prevent any lateral movement. The packing density is calibrated to the carton size — tight enough to eliminate shift, loose enough that no plant is under compression stress.
Our export cartons feature precision-cut ventilation perforations on all four sides. This passive airflow system prevents humidity buildup inside the box during transit — a critical factor for long-haul routes to Europe and Australia. Cartons are tested to withstand standard air-cargo pressure and temperature cycling without structural compromise.
Before sealing, every carton is opened for a final count and species verification against the packing list. The sealed carton is marked with orientation arrows ("This Side Up"), fragile markings, and the phytosanitary sticker. For USDA-bound shipments, the official phytosanitary certificate is attached to the outside of the lead carton per APHIS requirements.
Market Requirements

Import requirements by destination

Summary of key requirements. Always confirm current regulations with your national plant import authority before placing an order.

Country Governing Authority Key Requirement We Provide
🇺🇸 USA USDA APHIS PPQ Phyto cert + commercial importer permit (PPQ 587) Full Docs
🇪🇺 European Union EU Plant Health Regulation Third-country phyto cert, species declaration Full Docs
🇬🇧 United Kingdom APHA / FERA Phyto cert + UK import health certificate Full Docs
🇯🇵 Japan MAFF Plant Protection Division Phyto cert, quarantine inspection on arrival Full Docs
🇦🇺 Australia DAFF / BICON Import permit + phyto cert + species-level risk assessment Consult Us
🇨🇦 Canada CFIA Phyto cert, commodity-specific import conditions Full Docs
🇰🇷 South Korea MAFRA / National Plant Quarantine Phyto cert + species inspection on arrival Full Docs

Questions about your specific import destination?

Our compliance team has handled customs for 40+ countries. Ask us before you order.

Ask Our Compliance Team