European Union +Switzerland

Shipping orchids internationally—especially to the European Union—can feel complicated at first. But once you understand the process, it becomes much easier to order safely and avoid delays.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: import requirements, shipping options, costs, and practical tips based on real experience.

Understanding Import Requirements (CITES & Permits)

Before placing an order, it’s important to check your country’s plant import regulations.

Most orchids are classified as CITES-listed plants, meaning they are protected under international regulations. In many cases, an import permit is required, especially for species orchids.

However, not all plants fall under CITES regulations. Many plants such as ferns, Hoya, and Platycerium are generally not CITES-listed and may not require an import permit, depending on your country’s rules.

Shipping Options to European Union +Switzerland

We offer two reliable shipping methods depending on your needs and budget:

DHL Express (Recommended)

DHL is the fastest and most secure option for shipping orchids internationally.

• Delivery time: 3–4 days
• Shipping cost: starts from $80
• Ideal for valuable or sensitive plants

EMS (Thailand Post)

A more budget-friendly option, suitable for smaller or less time-sensitive orders.

• Delivery time: 6–12 days
• Shipping cost: starts from $60 (up to 1 kg)

Important:
Delivery times do not include customs clearance at the destination country, which may add additional days depending on local procedures.

What’s Included in Your Shipment

We prepare all shipments carefully to meet export requirements.

Each order includes:

• Phytosanitary Certificate
• CITES export documents
• Performa invoice or Commercial invoice + packing list
• Secure, export-ready packing

Our EU export permit is valid for the current year, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Processing Time (Why It Takes 14–21 Days)

Before export, all plants must go through a mandatory nematode inspection.

This process ensures your plants meet international plant health standards and helps prevent issues during import inspection.

Because of this, handling time is typically 14–21 days before shipment.

Pricing & Minimum Order

• Minimum order: $150
• Shipping terms: DAP (Delivered at Place)
  → Buyers are responsible for customs clearance and any import duties

Special Offer for Larger Orders

If you’re planning a bigger order, you can save significantly:

Orders over $1,300 receive 30% OFF
This also includes:

• Free Phytosanitary Certificate
• Free CITES documentation

EU Import Tips (From Real Experience)

From years of shipping plants to Europe, here are some useful insights:

• The Netherlands is often the fastest and smoothest entry point
• Germany and Nordic countries tend to have stricter inspections
• France and Italy may require coordination with regional authorities

Import Permit Notice

In some countries, an import permit may not be required if the plants are imported for personal collection or as a gift.

Before placing an order, you are encouraged to contact your local plant protection authority by email to confirm the requirements. When contacting them, please provide:

• Plant species (genus and species name)
• Quantity
• Purpose (personal collection, gift, or resale)

If the authority confirms that an import permit is not required, we recommend keeping their reply as proof.

We will include a copy of this email confirmation with your shipment to help prevent delays during customs clearance.

EU Import Permit Contacts (CITES Species Hybrids Orchids)

To make things easier, here are official Plant Protection Authorities (NPPOs) for selected European countries.
You can contact them directly to confirm import requirements before placing your order.

🇪🇺 EU Import Permit Contacts (Orchids / Plants)

Below are the official Plant Protection Authorities (NPPOs) for European Union countries.
You can contact them directly to confirm import requirements before placing your order.
We recommend verifying the information again, as regulations and contact details may change.

🇦🇹 Austria

• Authority: Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +43 50555

🇧🇪 Belgium

• Authority: Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +32 2 211 82 11

🇧🇬 Bulgaria

• Authority: Bulgarian Food Safety Agency
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +359 2 915 98 20

🇭🇷 Croatia

• Authority: Ministry of Agriculture
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +385 1 6106 111

🇨🇾 Cyprus

• Authority: Department of Agriculture
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +357 22 408 000

🇨🇿 Czech Republic

• Authority: Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +420 543 548 111

🇩🇰 Denmark

• Authority: Danish Agriculture Agency
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +45 33 95 80 00

🇪🇪 Estonia

• Authority: Agricultural and Food Board
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +372 605 1710

🇫🇮 Finland

• Authority: Finnish Food Authority
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +358 29 530 0400

🇫🇷 France

• Authority: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty
• Email: [email protected]
• Note: Import procedures handled by regional offices (DRAAF / SRAL)

🇩🇪 Germany

• Authority: Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +49 228 6845-0

🇬🇷 Greece

• Authority: Ministry of Rural Development and Food
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +30 210 212 4000

🇭🇺 Hungary

• Authority: National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +36 1 336 9000

🇮🇪 Ireland

• Authority: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +353 1 607 2000

🇮🇹 Italy

• Authority: Italian Phytosanitary Service
• Email: [email protected]
• Note: Managed at regional level

🇱🇻 Latvia

• Authority: State Plant Protection Service
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +371 67027406

🇱🇹 Lithuania

• Authority: State Plant Service
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +370 5 273 1311

🇱🇺 Luxembourg

• Authority: Administration of Technical Agricultural Services
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +352 45 71 72

🇲🇹 Malta

• Authority: Plant Protection Directorate
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +356 2292 5100

🇳🇱 Netherlands

• Authority: Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +31 88 223 33 33

🇵🇱 Poland

• Authority: State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +48 22 623 24 00

🇵🇹 Portugal

• Authority: Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +351 21 323 9500

🇷🇴 Romania

• Authority: National Phytosanitary Authority
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +40 21 307 8600

🇸🇰 Slovakia

• Authority: Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +421 2 5988 0200

🇸🇮 Slovenia

• Authority: Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +386 1 300 13 00

🇪🇸 Spain

• Authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +34 91 347 8297

🇸🇪 Sweden

• Authority: Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +46 36 15 50 00

🇨🇭 Switzerland

(Not part of the EU, but follows similar plant import regulations)

• Authority: Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG / BLW)
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +41 58 462 25 11

Important Notes for Customers

Before placing your order, please keep the following in mind:

How to Order

If you’re ready to order or would like a shipping quote, feel free to contact us directly.

We’re happy to help you choose the right plants and ensure everything is prepared correctly for your country.

Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]

• Contact your country’s plant protection authority (NPPO) in advance
• Most orchid shipments (CITES-listed plants) require:
  • Phytosanitary Certificate
  • CITES export documents
• Import permits may be required depending on the country and species
• Border inspection is common in EU countries

Final Thoughts

Ordering orchids from overseas doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation and proper documentation, your plants can arrive safely and smoothly.

If you’re unsure about anything, just reach out—we’re here to help every step of the way.