Soybean Seed for Sowing

Imported soybean seed must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization. USDA APHIS may require an import permit depending on the origin and variety, and all seed must comply with the Federal Seed Act labeling requirements. Genetically engineered varieties additionally require confirmed APHIS deregulation status prior to importation for planting.

Canada's dominance reflects geographic proximity, shared breeding programs between Canadian and US seed companies, and the ability to source specialty or identity-preserved varieties developed for northern growing conditions. Cross-border seed trade is also facilitated by USMCA, which streamlines documentation and reduces certain phytosanitary barriers compared to more distant origins.