What determines eligibility when moving plants from U.S. affiliated islands to foreign countries?

Eligibility for moving plants from U.S. affiliated islands to foreign countries largely hinges on protected status verification. This process involves confirming that the plants being exported do not belong to any regulated or endangered species, which is crucial to ensure the health of the ecosystems both in the islands and in the destination countries.

Protected status verification ensures compliance with international conventions and agreements aimed at wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection. Moving plants without verifying their statuses could lead to the unintentional distribution of invasive species or the violation of laws designed to protect threatened or endangered species.

While checking plant health standards, local government regulations, and free trade agreements are also significant factors in the export process, protected status verification directly addresses the critical aspect of ensuring these plants are not only safe for export but also legally permissible under both U.S. laws and the laws of the foreign countries.