Plant health, protected species and restrictions

Plants move across borders under plant-health, conservation and invasive-species rules. Botanisia gives sellers fields to record documents and destination countries, and can pause checkout when a configured rule applies. Automated flags are guidance, not official approval or legal advice.

Plant passports

Many plants and propagating material moved within the EU need a plant passport issued by an authorised operator. The passport generally accompanies the trade unit. Buying online does not create a general consumer exemption for distance sales. Sellers must confirm whether their plants and destinations are in scope and attach the correct passport to the shipment.

CITES and protected species

Some orchids, carnivorous plants, cacti and succulents are CITES-listed. Commercial trade may require permits or certificates depending on the species, provenance and destination. Sellers must not list a protected plant without the documentation that applies to their trade.

Invasive species

The EU list of invasive alien species of Union concern, and some national lists, restrict keeping, transport, sale and release. A plant that is legal in one country may be restricted in another. Botanisia can block checkout where an administrator has linked an active prohibition to the listing and destination.

Misidentification and unsafe advice

Sellers must use accepted botanical names where known and mark uncertain identifications honestly. Report suspected misidentification, counterfeit plants, misleading photographs or unsafe care advice. Do not rely on a marketplace listing to identify a plant for medical or veterinary use.

How to report

Use the report link on the listing or send the listing URL, a description of the problem and any evidence to the moderation contact published in the imprint. Reports create a moderation record with an evidence log and an appeal path. Urgent safety issues should also be raised with the relevant national plant-health authority.

Not legal advice. Rules change and depend on species, origin, destination and documents. Confirm the current requirements with the competent authority for the trade you are making.