Many states and most foreign countries have established legal requirements for the entry of plant products that may facilitate the artificial movement of plant pests. Requirements vary between the importing entities but generally they can be met through an inspection and the subsequent issuance of the appropriate certificate.

At a minimum, plant commodity certification will generally require a visual inspection of the product being exported. In addition to a visual inspection, the importing state or country may require microscopic examination or other laboratory analysis of a commodity. In other instances, the certification must state that the parent plants were inspected during the growing season for the presence of specific plant diseases, insects and weeds.

Permitted trees, shrubs and annual and biennial plants originating in non-EC countries, other than countries in the Euro-Mediterranean area, must be free from plant debris, flowers and fruit. In addition, permitted deciduous trees and shrubs originating outside the Euro-Mediterranean area must also be dormant and free from leaves.