Articles of Peat

Yes. Peat and peat-based growing media are regulated by USDA APHIS as plant material and growing media that may harbor soil pests or pathogens. Importers typically must provide a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country's national plant protection organization, and shipments may be subject to inspection at the port of entry. Requirements can vary by product form and country of origin, so importers should consult APHIS import regulations before shipment. Classification and admissibility are complex; consult a licensed customs broker or USDA APHIS for guidance specific to your product.

Raw peat extracted from bogs and sold in bulk or baled form is classified under headings covering peat as a mineral or fuel product. Articles of peat — such as molded peat pots, compressed peat blocks, or formed growing media — have undergone manufacturing or shaping processes that give them a specific commercial form and function. The degree of processing and the resulting article's defined shape or use are the key factors separating worked peat articles from the raw material.