During an inspection, the Environmental Specialist assigned to your region will ask you questions and inspect the plants you have for sale:

• for pest and disease issues;
• checking to see that all plants meet our quarantine requirements, and are not on the prohibited plant lists (WSDA Quarantine summary, Prohibited Plants and Seeds);
• confirming proper notification is being sent to WSDA for plants being brought in from out of state (Notification Rule) (WAC 16-402-120)
• making sure all plants for sale are clearly labeled with scientific and/or common name (WAC 16-402-030)
• updating staff about current pest, disease or WSDA policy issues;
• checking to see that their nursery plant seller/installer license is current (Licensing Requirements, Requisitos de Licencia - en Español);
• and providing growing season inspections for plant shippers.

Nursery and plant seller/installer inspections are prioritized by each Environmental Specialist in their own region.  Priority for inspections is based on factors such as:

• volume of plant sales;
• whether plants are shipped out-of-state;
• whether the business propagates plants; and other considerations.

Inspectors attempt to inspect large facilities and plant shippers at least once per year.  Other facilities may be inspected less often, as time permits.

Usually not, unless an inspection has been requested by the business as a growing season inspection to comply with export or certification requirements.  Licensed businesses are entitled to either two to four free inspection hours per year, depending on the licensing level, in conjuction with export certification.

Inspectors will work with businesses to assist them with correction of the non-compliance in a timely manner, often the same day.  You are also entitled to a hearing if the violation is in dispute.

We make every effort to work with our stakeholders to assist them with compliance.

Yes!  View this map to find the Environmental Specialist assigned to your area to schedule an inspection.

Find contact information for the Environmental Specialist in your area here.