Moving plants to California · Can I Bring My Plants?

Houseplants (no outdoor soil)

Fine

Declare
Inspection on arrival

No paperwork, but there are conditions. Your plants have to have been grown indoors in clean shop-bought potting mix, look healthy, and be declared at the border station, where inspectors can turn them away.

Source & details

To be eligible for entry into California, house plants should have been grown in an indoor setting only, such as in a home or enclosed greenhouse, and planted in sterile, packaged, commercial potting mix. They should not have been grown or maintained outdoors, even during the warmer times of the year, or planted in soil taken from outdoor or backyard sources.

Yes, California's border inspection officers may reject and confiscate any such plant material. House plants must be free of surface pests and appear healthy with no visible signs of disease.

Transport of Privately-Owned House Plants Into California From Other States - CDFA · Transport of Privately-Owned House Plants Into California From Other States - CDFA · checked 14 Sep 2026

Houseplants in every state

Potted plants in soil

Conditional

Certificate
Permit

A plant that has lived outdoors, or is potted in garden soil, fails the houseplant exemption, but is not banned outright. It needs an import permit or health certificate -- your state agriculture office can advise on getting it certified.

You'd need: Import permit and/or health or phytosanitary certificate · Ask your state agriculture department about treatment or inspection options for certifying the plant for entry

Because of: Imported fire ant, Japanese beetle.

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Imported fire ant (7 CFR 301.81): Leaving a fire ant quarantine area with soil, baled hay or plants rooted in soil needs a federal certificate or permit, attached to the container, wherever you're going. (NM's only county was deregulated in Aug. 2025.) Leaving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, or parts of Arkansas, California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia. 7 CFR 301.81 Imported Fire Ant: Federal Domestic Quarantine (California PQM 214)

Witchweed (7 CFR 301.80): Witchweed is regulated in a handful of Carolina counties, not the whole of either state. Leaving one of those with soil or plants that carry it needs a federal certificate or permit; the rest of the Carolinas, it doesn't apply. Leaving parts of North Carolina, South Carolina. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart O: Witchweed (eCFR)

Golden nematode (7 CFR 301.85): Golden nematode is regulated in parts of a few New York counties, not the whole state. Leaving one of those with soil or plants that carry it needs a federal certificate or permit; the rest of New York, it doesn't apply. Leaving parts of New York. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart R: Golden Nematode (eCFR)

California treats 36 origins differently

Alabama: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Arkansas: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Colorado: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Connecticut: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Delaware: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

District of Columbia: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Georgia: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Illinois: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Indiana: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Iowa: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Kansas: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Kentucky: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Maine: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Maryland: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Massachusetts: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Michigan: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Minnesota: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Mississippi: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Missouri: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Nebraska: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

New Hampshire: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

New Jersey: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

New York: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

North Carolina: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Ohio: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Oklahoma: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Pennsylvania: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Rhode Island: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

South Carolina: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

South Dakota: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Tennessee: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Texas: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Vermont: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Virginia: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

West Virginia: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Wisconsin: Conditional . Japanese beetle is the problem with this state. Soil, compost and anything rooted in soil can't come in unless an official in the state you're leaving certifies it was treated for the beetle first.

Certain species of animals, plants, insects and other organisms, including microorganisms, are not allowed into California. For those that are allowed, an import permit and/or health certificate or phytosanitary certificate may be required to legally enter into the state of California.

To be eligible for entry into California, house plants should have been grown in an indoor setting only, such as in a home or enclosed greenhouse, and planted in sterile, packaged, commercial potting mix. They should not have been grown or maintained outdoors, even during the warmer times of the year, or planted in soil taken from outdoor or backyard sources.

The Department of Agriculture in your current state should maintain a summary of the regulations affecting the movement of plant material into California. They should also be able to advise you on any treatment or inspection options that are available in that state for certifying plant material for entry into California.

CDFA - Plant Health - Bringing Plants And Animals Into California · Transport of Privately-Owned House Plants Into California From Other States - CDFA · Transport of Privately-Owned House Plants Into California From Other States - CDFA · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Potted plants in soil in every state

Citrus trees

Not allowed

Permit

Citrus trees, and any cutting or rootstock that would grow one, can't come into California from any state but Arizona without a permit from CDFA. Seed is the exception, and commercial fruit is handled separately.

You'd need: Permit from CDFA

Because of: Citrus canker, Fruit fly quarantines.

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Citrus greening and Asian citrus psyllid (7 CFR 301.76): Citrus plants may not be moved interstate out of a citrus greening quarantine area unless a specific provision allows it. APHIS asks people not to mail or carry home-grown citrus plants out at all. Leaving Georgia, Florida, or parts of Alabama, California, Louisiana, South Carolina, Texas. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart N: Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid (eCFR)

All plants and propagative materials (except seed) of all species, varieties, and hybrids of plant material listed in subsection (C)(1)(b) are prohibited entry into California from the area under quarantine except the State of Florida unless authorized entry under permit issued by the department

All states, districts, and territories of the United States, except the State of Arizona.

CCR 3250 Citrus Pests, California Plant Quarantine Manual · CCR 3250 Citrus Pests, California Plant Quarantine Manual · checked 14 Sep 2026

Citrus trees in every state

Other fruit trees

Depends

Soil-free

This one depends on where you are leaving from. 24 states are treated differently from the rest.

From most states: California restricts fruit trees species by species: persimmon barred everywhere, walnut barred except from a few Western states, apple barred unless dormant and bare-root, fig and most others fine.

You'd need: Depends on the species: no route for persimmon from anywhere or walnut from most states; apple must travel dormant and bare-root; nothing extra for fig and most others

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Spongy moth (trees and shrubs with roots) (7 CFR 301.45): A tree or shrub with roots needs a federal certificate or permit to leave a spongy moth quarantine area. Anything greenhouse-grown all year is exempt, so this is about what has been living in your garden. Leaving Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart E: Gypsy Moth (eCFR)

California treats 24 origins differently

Alabama: Conditional . Peach rosette is the problem with this state. Peach, plum and cherry trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving two seasons free of the disease; Wilson apricot and Marianna plum are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Arkansas: Conditional . Peach rosette is the problem with this state. Peach, plum and cherry trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving two seasons free of the disease; Wilson apricot and Marianna plum are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Connecticut: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Delaware: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

District of Columbia: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Georgia: Conditional . Peach rosette is the problem with this state. Peach, plum and cherry trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving two seasons free of the disease; Wilson apricot and Marianna plum are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Illinois: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Indiana: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Kentucky: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Maryland: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Massachusetts: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Michigan: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Mississippi: Conditional . Peach rosette is the problem with this state. Peach, plum and cherry trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving two seasons free of the disease; Wilson apricot and Marianna plum are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

New Jersey: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

New York: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

North Carolina: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Ohio: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Oklahoma: Conditional . Peach rosette is the problem with this state. Peach, plum and cherry trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving two seasons free of the disease; Wilson apricot and Marianna plum are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Pennsylvania: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Rhode Island: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

South Carolina: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Tennessee: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

Virginia: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

West Virginia: Conditional . Peach yellows is the problem with this state. Peach, cherry and apricot trees can still come in with an origin certificate proving years free of the disease; plum trees are barred outright as symptomless carriers.

All articles and commodities listed in (C) are prohibited entry into California from the area under quarantine.

All species and varieties of persimmon ( Diospyros spp.) trees, parts capable of propagation (including rootstocks) and green (unseasoned) wood are declared to be hosts or possible carriers of the pest except fruits, seeds, buds, and/or scions.

All states, districts and territories of the United States.

Prohibited entry into California from any state east of the eastern borders of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona.

Admissible into California from Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington provided each lot is accompanied by a certificate issued by the Department of Agriculture of the state of origin affirming (1) the material was grown in the state of origin, (2) brooming disease is unknown in the state of origin, and (3) the amount and kind of commodities covered.

except nonsusceptible junipers when properly labeled as to scientific name and apple and crab apple cuttings, scions, and trees when completely dormant and trees are bare-rooted.

California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3265 Persimmon Root Borer · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3265 Persimmon Root Borer · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3265 Persimmon Root Borer · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3260 Nut Tree Pests · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3260 Nut Tree Pests · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 3274 Cedar-Apple Rust Disease · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Other fruit trees in every state

Nursery stock & shrubs

Conditional

Certificate
Permit

Shrubs and anything else from a nursery may need an import permit, a health certificate, or both. Some plants aren't allowed into California at all, and particular species carry extra rules.

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Imported fire ant (7 CFR 301.81): Leaving a fire ant quarantine area with soil, baled hay or plants rooted in soil needs a federal certificate or permit, attached to the container, wherever you're going. (NM's only county was deregulated in Aug. 2025.) Leaving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, or parts of Arkansas, California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia. 7 CFR 301.81 Imported Fire Ant: Federal Domestic Quarantine (California PQM 214)

Spongy moth (trees and shrubs with roots) (7 CFR 301.45): A tree or shrub with roots needs a federal certificate or permit to leave a spongy moth quarantine area. Anything greenhouse-grown all year is exempt, so this is about what has been living in your garden. Leaving Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart E: Gypsy Moth (eCFR)

Witchweed (7 CFR 301.80): Witchweed is regulated in a handful of Carolina counties, not the whole of either state. Leaving one of those with soil or plants that carry it needs a federal certificate or permit; the rest of the Carolinas, it doesn't apply. Leaving parts of North Carolina, South Carolina. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart O: Witchweed (eCFR)

Certain species of animals, plants, insects and other organisms, including microorganisms, are not allowed into California. For those that are allowed, an import permit and/or health certificate or phytosanitary certificate may be required to legally enter into the state of California.

CDFA - Plant Health - Bringing Plants And Animals Into California · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Nursery stock & shrubs in every state

Cut flowers & bouquets

Conditional

Certificate
Permit

California counts cut flowers as plants like any other, so they may need an import permit, a health certificate, or both.

Source & details

Certain species of animals, plants, insects and other organisms, including microorganisms, are not allowed into California. For those that are allowed, an import permit and/or health certificate or phytosanitary certificate may be required to legally enter into the state of California.

“Nursery stock” means any plant for planting, propagation, or ornamentation.

Subparagraph (A) does not apply to those licensees whose gross income from the production of cut flowers and cut ornamentals is 75 percent or greater of the gross income of their nursery.

CDFA - Plant Health - Bringing Plants And Animals Into California · California Food and Agricultural Code § 5005 · California Food and Agricultural Code § 6723 · checked 15 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Cut flowers & bouquets in every state

Seeds & bulbs

Conditional

Certificate

Bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes have to be certified under the national Japanese beetle plan before they come into California, which runs its own beetle rules on top.

You'd need: Certification under the Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan

Source & details

Regulated articles shipped to category 1 and category 2 states must be produced and certified according to options as outlined additional requirements or limitations imposed by a state quarantine must be followed.

Category 1 States Arizona Administrative Code, Title 3, Chapter 4, Supp. 12-3, Section R3-4-248 https://agriculture.az.gov/r3-4-248-japanese-beetle California Code of Regulations, Title 3, Division 4, Chapter 3, Subchapter 4, Article 3, Section 3280 http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/pqm/manual/htm/pqm_index.htm Idaho - Administrative Code, Rule 02.06.24 http://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/2001/02/0624.pdf Montana Order MTQ-2013-01 http://agr.mt.gov/agr/Programs/PestMgt/quarantines/ Nevada Administrative Code, Chapter 554.162 through 554-220 http://agri.nv.gov/Resources/Regulations/Nursery/ Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 603, Division 52, Section 603 -52-0127 http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_600/oar_603/603_052.html 35 Utah Administrative Code, Rule R68-15 http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r068/r068-015.htm Washington Administrative Code, Title 16, Chapter 470, Section 16-470-700 through 19-470-720

Soil, humus, compost, manure, and all growing media (except when commercially packaged) All plants with roots (except bareroot plants free from soil). Free from soil means plants with less the amount of soil or growing media that can harbor any life stage of Japanese beetle (egg, pupa, or larva). Some states define this as free from soil or growing media larger than ½ inch. Grass sod Plants with crowns or roots for propagation (except when free from soil) Bulbs, corms, tubers, and rhizomes of ornamental plants (except when free from soil)

U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (hosted by WSDA) · U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (hosted by WSDA) · U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (hosted by WSDA) · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Seeds & bulbs in every state

Firewood

Conditional

Certificate
Inspection on arrival

Oak and chestnut firewood from the quarantine area is refused unless an official certificate travels with each load. Anything else is inspected at the border station and rejected if pests or disease show.

You'd need: Official certificate of origin, or certificate of treatment, with each shipment

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Gypsy moth (outdoor household articles) (7 CFR 301.45): Firewood counts as an outdoor household article. Moving it out of a gypsy moth quarantine area needs a certificate, or the self-inspection checklist from the "Don’t Move Gypsy Moth" program aid. Leaving Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, or parts of Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia. 7 CFR Part 301 Subpart E: Gypsy Moth (eCFR)

all commodities covered shall be refused admittance into the State of California from the area under quarantine unless each lot or shipment is accompanied by an official certificate evidencing compliance with paragraphs (2) or (3) below.

Small lots of oak firewood (one pickup load or less) for personal use can be allowed entry into California without an Oak Wilt Certificate if it can be determined that it originated in Oregon

Like all plant material, firewood is subject to inspection for insects and disease symptoms when it arrives at our border stations—if insects or disease symptoms are found, the wood may be rejected.

California Plant Quarantine Manual: 302 Oak Wilt Disease · California Plant Quarantine Manual: 302 Oak Wilt Disease · California Border Protection Stations FAQs, CDFA · checked 2 Oct 2026

Firewood in every state

Hay & straw

Conditional

Certificate
Permit

Baled hay and straw that's been sitting on the ground is covered by the federal fire ant rules. Coming out of a fire ant area, it needs a federal certificate or permit travelling with it.

You'd need: Federal certificate or permit for fire ant

Because of: Imported fire ant.

Source & details

Federal quarantines, depending where you are leaving

Imported fire ant (7 CFR 301.81): Leaving a fire ant quarantine area with soil, baled hay or plants rooted in soil needs a federal certificate or permit, attached to the container, wherever you're going. (NM's only county was deregulated in Aug. 2025.) Leaving Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, or parts of Arkansas, California, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia. 7 CFR 301.81 Imported Fire Ant: Federal Domestic Quarantine (California PQM 214)

Certificate or Permit Required. Unless exempted in 301.81-2, any regulated article in subsection (C) above which is moved interstate from any quarantined a rea described in 301.81-3e must be accompanied by a Federal certificate, limited permit, or restricted destination permit.

Baled hay and baled straw stored in direct contact with the ground;

7 CFR 301.81 Imported Fire Ant: Federal Domestic Quarantine (California Plant Quarantine Manual) · 7 CFR 301.81 Imported Fire Ant: Federal Domestic Quarantine (California Plant Quarantine Manual) · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out

Hay & straw in every state

Soil & compost

Conditional

Certificate

Soil, compost, humus and manure have to be certified under the national Japanese beetle plan before they come into California. Commercially packaged bags are the exception.

You'd need: Certification under the Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan

Because of: Japanese beetle.