Actually, after thinking about it, it somewhat worries me. The cheapest option for the USDA would probably be to remove permits and ban the invasive species altogether... Scary thought, considering how hard it is to get them now.
I hope not. This is ridiculous especially as the P. diffusa never actually mows plants like most other species. Then again, you can always back up your claims for their alleged new regulations that do not require permits anymore which means the shipments will not be regulated at all for restrictions.Actually, after thinking about it, it somewhat worries me. The cheapest option for the USDA would probably be to remove permits and ban the invasive species altogether... Scary thought, considering how hard it is to get them now.
I hope not. This is ridiculous especially as the P. diffusa never actually mows plants like most other species. Then again, you can always back up your claims for their alleged new regulations that do not require permits anymore which means the shipments will not be regulated at all for restrictions.
You guys are thinking too much about these shipping regulations.
Here's how it works. One year somebody wants a promotion/budget savings/ etc so they decide to eliminate a little wasteful procedure that is questionable as to it's necessity. A few years later we have an outbreak of one of the nasty species because of incorrect identification. The rule changes and somebody else gets a promotion/publicity for protecting the environment. Back and forth it goes every decade or so. Beaurocratic red tape at it's finest.
Now dealing with Phytosanitary requirements for international shipping make those silly little interstate permits look like child's play. I've got a package hung up in France right now because some idiot can't read EU regulations. I'm playing hardball with them using the USDA and some international trade agreements as a big stick to beat them with. I haven't heard a thing back in a week. I think somebody is trying to wait me out. (meanwhile I've sent 4 other packages the same way to France with no issues).
Two years ago in order to ship to Peru you needed to a numbered, signed, itemized invoice, formatted just the right way, an import permit, a letter from your doctor, and a picture of a good looking nurse. It helped to take the customs official out for a steak dinner at "nice" place. They got some crap from the international community (threatening to raise tariffs and/or ban products) and suddenly they are the nicest group to deal with around.
Meanwhile about 1 out of 25 packages come back at me for no real reason.
You seem like you know a lot of the ins and outs of international plant shipping. By the sound of it, I'm sorry that you do lol. It sounds like hell.