Step 1: Start a new PPQ-587 application
In APHIS eFile, choose PPQ-587 Permit for importation of plants or plant products, then click Get Started.
If this is your first time, confirm your account profile details are complete before continuing.
U.S. import guide
How U.S. Customers Can Import Seeds from the UK Using a USDA Small Seed Lot Permit
A practical, plain-English guide for U.S. customers ordering from Plant World Seeds.
Permit valid for 3 years
If you are ordering seeds from the UK to the United States, the USDA Small Lots of Seed Permit helps your shipment clear correctly without a phytosanitary certificate, provided permit conditions are followed.
Before dispatch, email your permit and one USDA inspection label to orders@plant-world-seeds.com.
USDA Core Requirements
- Each packet may contain no more than 50 seeds of one species (or up to 10g for very small seeds).
- No more than 50 seed packets per shipment.
- Each packet must be labelled with scientific name, country of origin, and supplier name.
- Tomato and pepper seeds are not allowed under this permit route.
- Shipments are routed to a USDA inspection station before final delivery.
Quick Application Overview
1. Create a USDA eAuth account
Register a Level 2 account at eauth.usda.gov to access APHIS eFile.
2. Apply for PPQ 587 in APHIS eFile
Start a PPQ 587 application and choose Small Lots of Seed as the commodity type.
3. Download permit + USDA labels
After approval, download your permit PDF and green-and-yellow inspection labels.
4. Send documents to Plant World Seeds
Email your permit and one USDA label to orders@plant-world-seeds.com before dispatch.
Full Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 2: Confirm applicant and permittee information
Verify your contact details on the Applicant/Permittee page.
For most personal applications, answer Yes to “Will you be the permittee?”.
Step 3: Set intended use and commodity type
Set Intended Use to Plants for Planting.
Set Commodity Type to Small Lots of Seed.
You can add an internal reference such as “Plant World Seeds import”.
Step 4: Add seed article and country details
Select plant part: Seed.
Add each country of origin separately (for example, United Kingdom).
Use “Various eligible taxa” if you want broad flexibility across permitted species.
Step 5: Certify and submit
Review details, complete certification, and submit.
Approval can be very fast, but USDA advises allowing extra time during busy periods.
After approval: send documents before shipment
Email your permit PDF and one USDA green-and-yellow label to Plant World Seeds.
We include permit paperwork and itemized scientific naming information in your shipment for inspection.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply early, especially before seasonal peaks.
- Use Plants for Planting + Small Lots of Seed in your application.
- List specific countries of origin (do not use “various” for countries).
- Use “Various eligible taxa” to avoid listing each species one by one.
- Do not include tomato or pepper seeds under this permit route.
- Ensure Plant World Seeds receives permit + label before dispatch.
Need Help?
If you need help using your permit for an order, contact orders@plant-world-seeds.com. We are happy to help you ship smoothly and in line with USDA requirements.
You can return to the delivery terms page here: Delivery & returns.