APHIS Information

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is a US governmental agency whose mission is to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources. They regulate soils from certain zones within the United States as well as foreign soil and or plant sample materials.

Domestic Samples

Before submitting samples, reference the map depicting APHIS regulated areas:

If your county is regulated, soil MUST be packaged in two inner packages (such as a double bag) in addition to an outer shipping container.

International Samples

The following steps must be taken before submitting samples:

• Soil/Manure: A one-time use PPQ 550 label is required. To obtain a label, please email sales@wardlab.com.
• Plant/Feedstuffs: Before submitting samples, Ward Laboratories must submit an application through APHIS. Please email sales@wardlab.com with the plant species and plant part to begin the process.
• Water: No prior action required; however, samples should be labeled “For Laboratory Testing.”
• Fertilizer: No prior action required.

Please contact our QA/QC Manager, Jordan Westengaard, at jwestengaard@wardlab.com with any questions.