What Certificates Do You Need to Import Preserved Flowers into Europe?
- Annie Zhang
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
Many importers fall in love with preserved flowers from Asia because of their beauty, long lifespan, and convenience. But when it comes to shipping these delicate products into Europe, one question always comes up: “What certificates do I actually need?”
The short answer is: not many—but the right ones. Understanding the difference can save you weeks of customs delays and prevent unnecessary costs. After working with hundreds of European retailers and distributors, here is a clear, practical breakdown of what matters most.
Index:
Step 1. Understand How the EU Sees Preserved Flowers
Preserved flowers are not considered “living plants.” In EU terms, they are non-living decorative plant parts, usually classified under Chapter 06 of the Combined Nomenclature, typically HS codes 0603.90 or 0604.90.
This small detail makes a big difference. Because they can’t grow or reproduce, most preserved flowers don’t fall under plant-health control. But if your design includes untreated stems, bark, or moss, that could change your classification.
A quick check with your customs broker before shipment is worth it. It costs nothing and saves a lot of paperwork later.
If you’d like a short HS code reference sheet for preserved flower products, email sales@sweetie-group.com and we’ll send you our internal guide.
Step 2. Phytosanitary Certificates: When You Need Them (and When You Don’t)
Under EU Regulation 2019/2072, live plants, seeds, and certain dried or untreated branches need a phytosanitary certificate to enter Europe.
For preserved flowers, which are fully stabilized and non-propagative, this document is usually not required. Customs inspectors often recognize them as processed decorative goods rather than biological materials.
However, there are exceptions. If your preserved arrangements use natural moss, vines, or unprocessed bark, it’s safest to include a phytosanitary certificate from your local authority. The cost is low compared to the delay of a held shipment.
The simplest rule? If your flower can’t grow again, it probably doesn’t need a phytosanitary certificate.
Step 3. REACH Compliance: The Chemical Safety Check
This is the certificate most European buyers ask about. Preserved flowers are treated with stabilizing liquids, dyes, and sometimes fragrances. That’s why importers must make sure their products meet the REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006), which manages chemical safety in the EU.
What does that mean in practice?
Your preserved flowers should be tested for the 241 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
If every tested substance is below 0.1 percent by weight, the product passes.
A third-party REACH SVHC report is enough to prove compliance for customs and brand audits.
Buyers appreciate suppliers who can show this report without being asked. It signals professionalism and builds trust instantly.
If you’d like to receive a REACH compliance checklist that our EU customers use before shipment, send a note to sales@sweetie-group.com and we’ll share it with you.
Step 4. The “Treated Article” Question
Some preserved flowers are lightly treated with anti-mold or anti-bacterial agents to improve shelf life. If you promote these effects (“anti-mold” or “anti-bacterial”) in your packaging or catalog, then the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) applies.
You’ll need to confirm that the active substance used is approved for that purpose and include proper labeling.If you don’t make these claims publicly, you generally don’t need a separate certificate—but it’s still wise to know what chemicals were used by your supplier.
Step 5. CITES: The Hidden Risk in Some Botanical Materials
CITES, or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, protects certain plants and animals. While roses are not on the CITES list, some mosses, lichens, and exotic leaves are.
If your preserved designs use these materials, you must apply for a CITES export and import permit. It’s not common, but failing to check can lead to confiscation at customs. Before placing a large order, ask your supplier for the botanical names of every plant used and verify them against the CITES Appendices.
Step 6. Packaging and Sustainability Rules
Even if your flowers are compliant, your packaging can still cause problems. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) sets heavy metal limits for packaging materials (lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium VI must total less than 100 ppm).
On top of that, countries like Germany and France have their own Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. That means you or your importer must register packaging quantities and pay recycling fees annually.
The EU is also introducing a new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in 2025 that will require recyclability, clearer labeling, and minimum recycled content. Now is the time to prepare. Email sales@sweetie-group.com and we’ll send you our packaging solutions.
Step 7. Keep Your Documentation Organized
Here is a simple reference table that summarizes which certificates you may need and when they apply:
Certificate or Document | When It’s Needed | Why It Matters |
Phytosanitary Certificate | Only if untreated or natural plant parts are included | Required by EU Plant Health Regulation |
REACH SVHC Report | Always recommended for preserved flowers | Confirms chemical safety for customs and retailers |
Biocidal Label | Only when anti-mold or anti-bacterial claims are made | Ensures BPR compliance |
CITES Permit | Only for listed or protected species | Prevents customs seizure |
Packaging EPR Registration | For shipments to Germany, France, or Italy | Supports EU sustainability obligations |
Keeping these files in one shared folder for each product line saves you hours when customers or customs request proof.
Step 8. Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
From experience, here are the top five issues that slow down preserved flower imports into Europe:
Treating preserved flowers as live plants and applying for unnecessary phytosanitary certificates.
Ignoring REACH testing and failing to provide SVHC documentation.
Using unverified dyes or adhesives that exceed chemical limits.
Skipping packaging compliance, especially for EPR registration.
Not checking CITES lists before including new botanical materials.
Each of these is preventable with a simple compliance checklist and proactive supplier communication.
Final Thoughts
Importing preserved flowers into Europe is easier than it looks once you understand what certificates truly matter. Most shipments only need a REACH SVHC test report and basic packaging compliance documents. Phytosanitary and CITES permits apply only in specific cases, and biocidal requirements are simple to manage with proper labeling.
The key is preparation. When your documentation is complete, your products move faster through customs and your buyers trust you more.
If you’d like to see an example of a full REACH test report or want to understand how EU buyers review compliance before approving new suppliers,
At Sweetie-Gifts, we’ve spent more than 16 years manufacturing preserved flower gifts for global retailers and brands. Over the years, we’ve learned that compliance is not just about paperwork—it’s about giving buyers confidence. That’s why we continuously update our REACH testing, packaging reports, and export certifications to make importing as smooth as possible for our partners.
If you are planning your next preserved flower collection or want to ensure your imports are fully compliant with EU standards, contact sales@sweetie-group.com, we’d be glad to help you navigate the process and share what works best in today’s market.
Warm Regards,
CEO of Sweetie Gifts