Soil can be a vector for harmful bacteria, plant viruses, fungi, nematodes, and other biological propagules. To safeguard U.S. agriculture and natural resources, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) strictly regulates the movement of soil, both from foreign sources and from domestic areas under federal quarantine.
Soil Import Permit Compliance
Because soil can potentially contain harmful bacteria, plant viruses, fungi, nematodes, and other propagules, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the importation of soil for both domestic regulated and foreign soil. These regulations are put in place to protect agriculture and natural resources from the introduction of destructive plant and animal diseases.

