USDA-APHIS Clarifies Growing Media Exception for Canada Plant Imports

Plants imported into Canada in growing media may now qualify as Canadian origin for U.S. imports, provided they meet both U.S. and Canadian program requirements and are accompanied by proper documentation.

On September 19, 2025, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) amended 7 CFR 319.37-10 (Growing media) to clarify a new exception for Canada plant imports.

The rule now confirms that plants imported into Canada in growing media may be treated as Canadian origin when exported to the U.S. if they meet both the U.S. Plants in Growing Media Program (7 CFR 319.37-10) and the Canadian Growing Media Program (CFIA Directive D-96-20) at the time of entry into Canada, and are accompanied by documentation proving compliance.

This amendment updates guidance announced in June, when APHIS published its Plants for Planting – from Canada reference document in the Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements (ACIR).

Conditions for recognition as Canadian origin

Under the updated guidance, plants for planting imported into Canada from another country may be considered solely of Canadian origin when exported to the U.S., provided they meet all of the following conditions:

• They are imported directly into the U.S. from Canada after at least one year of growth in Canada
• They were never grown in a NAPPRA-listed country (Not Authorized Pending Pest Risk Analysis) under 7 CFR 319.37-4
• They were never grown in a country other than Canada that is subject to ACIR restrictions on specific plant types
• If subject to postentry quarantine in the U.S., they were grown in Canada under equivalent postentry quarantine conditions
• They were not imported into Canada in growing media

Next steps for U.S. importers

If you source plants through Canada, we recommend that you:

• Confirm with Canadian suppliers that their plants were admitted under the Canadian Growing Media Program and meet 7 CFR 319.37-10 requirements
• Adjust your sourcing strategies to capitalize on this new exception, where applicable
• Work with your customs broker to review documentation and confirm shipments are properly classified as Canadian origin

How Cole International can help

At Cole International, we constantly monitor changing trade regulations and offer customs and compliance consulting services to help businesses navigate these changes.

Additionally, we provide timely and efficient customs brokerage services to help U.S. importers streamline their customs clearance processes.

Please reach out to one of our trade professionals to determine if your imported plants are subject to additional permits or requirements, and to verify that your paperwork is complete and compliant.