Plant export from Thailand, planned from nursery to port

An export plan begins before the trees are packed

A tree is only as good as the journey it survives. Preparation, documents and loading are planned together from the first conversation, by a nursery and shipping team backed by more than two decades of exporting from Thailand.

The destination matters from the first conversation. Plant import conditions differ by species, growing medium and country. Share your destination port and any conditions supplied by your import authority or broker when you send your tree list.

Five steps from enquiry to shipment planning

1. Define the order. Send botanical names, grades, quantities and required arrival timing.
2. Check supply and destination requirements. Confirm what can be supplied and what preparation or permissions need attention.
3. Prepare the trees. Agree nursery preparation, root medium and packing for the species and grades in the order.
4. Coordinate inspection and documents. Arrange the applicable export documentation and inspection before dispatch.
5. Plan loading and handover. Confirm container suitability, freight scope and responsibilities at destination as part of the shipment agreement.

For photographs and a detailed explanation of wrapping and loading, see how we prepare root-balled trees for shipping.

Documents and responsibilities to discuss

Our current shipping guide describes commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and phytosanitary certification. The documents and any additional permits needed for your shipment must be checked against the actual plants and destination.

The importer should establish the receiving country’s requirements, including any advance permit, entry conditions and clearance arrangements. Protected species may require additional permissions. A certificate does not override a prohibition on a species or growing medium.

Tell us about restrictions early. Do not assume all root-ball sizes use the same medium or that a preparation method accepted in one market will be accepted in another.

What determines the export quotation?

Species, tree dimensions and quantity affect nursery preparation, handling and loading. The destination, shipping window and agreed delivery scope affect the freight plan. Current sailing arrangements and inspection requirements also influence timing.

Send your required arrival week as well as the destination port. Preparation time and transit time are different parts of the programme, and both need to be allowed for.

Use our direct supply service for procurement and contract-growing questions, or learn more about nursery plants and tree grades before finalising your list.

Questions about exporting plants from Thailand