USDA APHIS PPQ Form 587
PPQ Importer Basic Permit
Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products
NOT listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Regulations

WBFI Headquarters received several phone calls from Members asking for information on Form 587. The transactions for which the US Members were being asked to complete Form 587 involved the import of Safflower from Canada. In some cases, the Safflower was grown in the US, exported to Canada for inclusion in a bird seed product, and then re-imported into the US. In other cases, the Safflower was grown in Canada, included in a bird seed product, and exported to the US.

In both of these situations, Form 587 is required by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) before the shipment will be allowed into the US. The Form is to be completed by hand and faxed to PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine). According to the APHIS website, it takes three to four weeks to receive you permit number, and the permit is good for four years from the date of issuance.

Safflower and Corn imports are both being closely monitored by PPQ. The Agency is concerned about the possibility of noxious weed seeds being mixed in with the product, which could result in a new noxious weed problem in the US if the contaminant germinates.

Web link to pdf of Form 587:

Please note that Form 587 is the correct form to use for the import of Safflower or Corn. Form 526 is the form to use for a permit to move Live Plant Pests or Noxious Weeds. Neither Safflower nor Corn are included on the Federal Noxious Weed List.

Federal Noxious Weed List as of September 8, 2000:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/fnwsbycat-e.PDF

PPQ website for information on regulations pertaining to noxious weeds and parasitic plants
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantpest/noxious_weeds.html