Can I Bring My Plants? Moving to Washington
Can I bring my plants into Washington?
A houseplant usually just comes in. Leaving a Japanese beetle state is what changes it, and then Washington wants a plant health certificate or an inspection that finds the plant clean. Anything you would plant out needs a certificate of inspection on each container, labelled with what is inside; cut flowers sit outside that rule.
- Checked Sep 2026
What Washington asks for
- HouseplantsHouseplants (no outdoor soil)Depends
- Potted plants in soilPotted plants in soilConditional
- Citrus treesCitrus treesDepends
- Other fruit treesOther fruit treesConditional
- Nursery stock & shrubsNursery stock & shrubsConditional
- Cut flowers & bouquetsCut flowers & bouquetsFine
- Seeds & bulbsSeeds & bulbsConditional
- FirewoodFirewoodConditional
- Hay & strawHay & strawDepends
- Soil & compostSoil & compostConditional
3 of these change depending on where you're leaving. Pick a state to see which.
Plant by plant
Houseplants (no outdoor soil)
Depends
This one depends on where you are leaving from. 35 states are treated differently from the rest.
From most states: From most states, a houseplant just comes in. If you're leaving a Japanese beetle state -- pick it above -- Washington wants a plant health certificate, or a department official to inspect them and find them free of the beetle.
Source & details
Washington treats 35 origins differently
Alabama: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Arkansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Colorado: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Connecticut: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Delaware: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
District of Columbia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Georgia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Illinois: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Indiana: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Iowa: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Kansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Kentucky: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Maine: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Maryland: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Massachusetts: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Michigan: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Minnesota: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Mississippi: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Missouri: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Nebraska: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
New Hampshire: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
New Jersey: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
New York: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
North Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Ohio: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Oklahoma: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Pennsylvania: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Rhode Island: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
South Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Tennessee: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Texas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Vermont: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
West Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Wisconsin: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so a houseplant in soil is a regulated article and needs a plant health certificate from home. Grown indoors and clean, an inspector can look at it on arrival instead.
Privately owned houseplants grown indoors may be allowed entry into this state if a department official inspects the plants and determines that they are free from Japanese beetle.
Each shipment of regulated articles must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the state of origin certifying: a. Nature and quantity of the shipment. b. Expected date of arrival at destination. c. Consignee. d. Destination. e. Approved treatment of the commodity, soil, or means of conveyance with methods approved and prescribed by WSDA.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Potted plants in soil
Conditional
- Certificate
Anything you'd plant out needs a certificate of inspection travelling with it, on every bundle, package or container.
You'd need: Certificate, tag, stamp or label of inspection on each container · A label naming each plant, botanical or common name
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)
Washington treats 35 origins differently
Alabama: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Arkansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Colorado: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Connecticut: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Delaware: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
District of Columbia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Georgia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Illinois: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Indiana: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Iowa: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Kansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Kentucky: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Maine: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Maryland: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Massachusetts: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Michigan: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Minnesota: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Mississippi: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Missouri: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Nebraska: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New Hampshire: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New Jersey: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New York: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
North Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Ohio: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Oklahoma: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Pennsylvania: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Rhode Island: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
South Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Tennessee: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Texas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Vermont: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
West Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Wisconsin: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name.
Nurseries or landscapers receiving woody tree and shrub nursery stock imported into Washington from any out- of-state source are required to notify the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Horticultural plants include, but are not limited to horticultural, floricultural, and viticultural plants for planting, propagation, ornamentation growing, or otherwise. This includes cuttings, budsticks, scion wood, bulbs, corms, tubers and similar plant parts used for propagative purposes, and vegetable or herbaceous food crops. This definition does not include cut flowers or stems used for decorative purposes, or fresh fruit.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Citrus trees
Depends
- Certificate
This one depends on where you are leaving from. 2 states are treated differently from the rest.
From most states: Washington has no special citrus rule. A citrus tree is treated like any other fruit tree, so the same certificate of inspection travels with it.
You'd need: Certificate, tag, stamp or label of inspection on each container · A label naming each plant, botanical or common name
Because of: Citrus greening (HLB).
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)
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Other fruit trees
Conditional
- Certificate
Fruit trees need a certificate of inspection travelling with them, on every bundle, package or container.
You'd need: Certificate, tag, stamp or label of inspection on each container · A label naming each plant, botanical or common name
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)
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name.
Nurseries or landscapers receiving woody tree and shrub nursery stock imported into Washington from any out- of-state source are required to notify the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Horticultural plants include, but are not limited to horticultural, floricultural, and viticultural plants for planting, propagation, ornamentation growing, or otherwise. This includes cuttings, budsticks, scion wood, bulbs, corms, tubers and similar plant parts used for propagative purposes, and vegetable or herbaceous food crops. This definition does not include cut flowers or stems used for decorative purposes, or fresh fruit.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Nursery stock & shrubs
Conditional
- Certificate
Every bundle, package or container coming into Washington needs a certificate of inspection saying the plants look free of pests. Label each one with the plant's name too.
You'd need: Certificate, tag, stamp or label of inspection on each container · A label naming each plant, botanical or common name
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)
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name.
Nurseries or landscapers receiving woody tree and shrub nursery stock imported into Washington from any out- of-state source are required to notify the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026
Cut flowers & bouquets
Fine
Cut flowers are fine. Washington names cut flowers and decorative stems as outside the certificate rule.
Source & details
This definition does not include cut flowers or stems used for decorative purposes, or fresh fruit.
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026
Seeds & bulbs
Conditional
- Certificate
Bulbs, corms and tubers need a certificate of inspection travelling with them, on every bundle, package or container.
You'd need: Certificate, tag, stamp or label of inspection on each container · A label naming each plant, botanical or common name
Source & details
A certificate (or tag, stamp, label, etc.) of inspection, certifying that the plants are apparently free from plant pests must accompany each bundle, package, or container of nursery stock shipped into Washington State.
Shipments must be labeled to identify each species or variety of plant with the botanical name and/or the common name.
Nurseries or landscapers receiving woody tree and shrub nursery stock imported into Washington from any out- of-state source are required to notify the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).
Horticultural plants include, but are not limited to horticultural, floricultural, and viticultural plants for planting, propagation, ornamentation growing, or otherwise. This includes cuttings, budsticks, scion wood, bulbs, corms, tubers and similar plant parts used for propagative purposes, and vegetable or herbaceous food crops. This definition does not include cut flowers or stems used for decorative purposes, or fresh fruit.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Firewood
Conditional
- Certificate
Firewood from a gypsy moth high-risk area can only come in with an official certificate naming the county and state it came from and confirming it was checked for gypsy moth.
You'd need: Official gypsy moth certificate naming the county and state it came from, and its inspection or treatment
Because of: Spongy moth, State firewood rules.
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)
Regulated articles and commodities are prohibited entry into Washington except as follows: 1. Regulated articles may be accompanied by an official certificate attesting to the following: a. The designation of the articles and commodities. b. The county and state or province of origin. WA - 25 of 45 Rev. 9/2025 c. A statement verifying that all the articles and commodities were inspected for all stages of gypsy moth.
Timber and building materials such as lumber, firewood, building blocks, etc. 3. Mobile homes, recreational vehicles, trailers, boats, camping gear, and associated equipment. 4. Outdoor household articles such as furniture, garden tools, toys, garden machinery, animal houses.
Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · Washington Summary of Exterior Quarantines, WSDA Plant Protection Division · checked 14 Sep 2026
Hay & straw
Depends
This one depends on where you are leaving from. 6 states are treated differently from the rest.
From most states: You can bring hay and straw into Washington freely. Using it is the catch: certified weed-free feed has been required on Pacific Northwest Forest Service land since 2009.
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)
certified weed-free straw and feed are now required for all U.S. Forest Service lands in Pacific Northwest National Forests
Washington Weed Free Hay and Mulch Program, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board · checked 17 Sep 2026 · the general rule is clear, this exact case isn’t spelled out
Soil & compost
Conditional
- Certificate
Soil, compost, humus and manure have to be certified under the Japanese beetle plan before they come in. Commercially packaged bags are the exception.
You'd need: Certification under the Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan
Because of: 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)
Washington treats 35 origins differently
Alabama: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Arkansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Colorado: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Connecticut: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Delaware: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
District of Columbia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Georgia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Illinois: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Indiana: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Iowa: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Kansas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Kentucky: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Maine: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Maryland: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Massachusetts: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Michigan: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Minnesota: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Mississippi: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Missouri: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Nebraska: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New Hampshire: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New Jersey: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
New York: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
North Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Ohio: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Oklahoma: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Pennsylvania: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Rhode Island: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
South Carolina: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Tennessee: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Texas: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Vermont: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
West Virginia: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
Wisconsin: Conditional . Washington names the state you're leaving for Japanese beetle, so soil and rooted plants need a plant health certificate covering treatment. Whoever receives them holds the shipment until the department releases it.
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
Still stuck? The people who answer this in Washington are Washington State Department of Agriculture.