Import permits for Crocus sativus bulbs

An import permit is an official document issued by the plant health or agricultural authority of the importing country. It allows you to legally receive plant materials, such as Crocus sativus bulbs (saffron bulbs), and confirms that you understand and meet your country’s import regulations.

Good to know: When buying your saffron bulbs from the United States, at Roco Saffron you don't need an import permit. Starting mid-August, all our physical inventory is located in the United States. We ship directly from there—so no worries, we take care of all the paperwork.

When is an import permit required?

At Roco Saffron, import permits are commonly required when you receive saffron bulbs from outside the UK, EU or US.

Many countries (such as Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand) require an import permit before saffron bulbs can even be dispatched.

The anatomy of an import permit

An import permit typically contains the following key information:

Section	What it includes
Permit number	A unique identification code for tracking and reference
Importer information	Your full name, address, and sometimes registration number or business ID
Exporter/Consignor info	The supplier/exporter details (e.g., Roco Saffron)
Description of goods	Botanical name (Crocus sativus), product type (bulbs), quantity, and purpose
Conditions of entry	Requirements for entry, such as needing a phytosanitary certificate or clean packaging
Authorized ports of entry	Where the shipment is allowed to enter (e.g., specific airports or seaports)
Valid dates	The permit’s start and end date (often valid for 3–12 months)
Special notes	Extra conditions, such as post-entry quarantine, treatments, or inspections

How to apply for an import permit (step-by-step)

The process is different in every country, but here’s a general guideline:

1. Identify the right authority

Find the national plant protection agency or agricultural ministry. For example:

• Canada: CFIA
• Australia: DAFF
  
• South Africa: DALRRD

2. Register (if needed)

You may need to create an account or register as an importer, especially for commercial use.

3. Fill in the application

Provide:

• Your contact and business info
• Exporter’s details
• Product info: Crocus sativus bulbs, quantity, purpose
• Destination and port of entry

4. Submit supporting documents

Some countries may request:

• A copy of the supplier’s phytosanitary certificate
• Product photos
• A proposed planting or research plan (for experimental use)

5. Wait for approval

Approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the country. Once approved, you’ll receive a digital or printed import permit.

How Roco Saffron supports you

We make the process easy by providing:

• All required export documentation;
• A detailed product description for your application;
• Guidance for import permit forms, step-by-step;
• Flexible coordination so we don’t ship until your permit is approved.

We’ve worked with authorities in over 30 countries—so we know how to make this process smooth and successful.

Need help with your import permit application? Contact us and we’ll walk you through the process based on your location and order size.