Moving Plants to France in 2025: Updated Rules, Costs and Practical Advice

If you’re preparing for a move to France and thinking about taking your garden with you — whether it’s potted plants, garden favourites, seeds, or bulbs — there are important rules to be aware of. Since the UK left the EU, moving plants across borders has become more complicated. This updated guide outlines the current 2025 regulations, costs, and practical tips for taking plants from the UK to France.

Post-Brexit Rules for Taking Plants to France

Following Brexit, the movement of plant material from the UK into EU countries, including France, is now subject to stricter plant health regulations. What used to be a relatively simple process has evolved into a highly controlled and regulated procedure.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) now requires all live plants, cuttings, seeds, and similar materials to be officially inspected and accompanied by the correct documentation before entering the EU.

What is a Phytosanitary Certificate?

To bring any plants or plant material into France, a phytosanitary certificate is essential. This certificate confirms that your plants are free from pests and diseases and comply with EU plant health regulations.

To obtain the certificate, you’ll need to go through a series of checks, which include:

• A professional plant health inspection
• Laboratory testing of any soil or plant samples
• Official paperwork to prove compliance with current EU rules

These steps are designed to safeguard European biodiversity from harmful organisms and diseases that could spread via imported plants.

Updated Costs for 2025

The financial commitment involved in transporting plants to France can be considerable. Here’s a breakdown of current charges (accurate as of April 2025):

• Initial inspection (up to 30 minutes): £127.60
• Additional inspection time (every 15 minutes): £63.80
• Lab testing (per sample): £33.56
• Phytosanitary certificate: £25.52

For one plant, inspection is needed and a lab test is required, the minimum total cost comes to £186.68. If you’re moving several plants or more complex specimens, the final cost could be significantly higher.

There are also ongoing proposals to increase these fees further in the near future, so it’s wise to check for updates before finalising your plans.

Practical Considerations When Moving Plants

Emotional Value vs. Financial Cost

For many people planning a move abroad, plants aren’t just greenery — they often carry special meaning. Perhaps a tree was planted to mark a family milestone, or a favourite rose has been lovingly cared for over the years. These connections can make it difficult to part with cherished plants, even in the face of complicated logistics.

However, the reality of moving plants internationally brings significant costs and regulatory hurdles. From inspections and lab testing to certification fees, the process can quickly become expensive and time-consuming — particularly for those relocating with a large collection.

It’s important to weigh up whether the sentimental value justifies the effort involved. In some cases, transporting a single special plant may be worthwhile. In others, it may make more sense to start fresh in your new garden, creating new memories rooted in French soil.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Uplift responsibility: Removal teams, including Central Moves Ltd, are not authorised to dig plants out of your garden. This must be completed before collection day.
• Soil precautions: Roots must be clean and securely bagged to avoid transferring soil and contamination during transit.
• Replanting at destination: We are unable to replant your specimens in France, so you’ll need to make local arrangements for planting after arrival.

Planning Ahead is Key

If you’re set on bringing your favourite plants along on your international move, proper planning is essential. Here’s how to prepare:

• Speak to your removals company early: Contact Central Moves Ltd at the start of your planning to understand timelines and costs.
• Make an inventory: List all the plants you wish to move and gather information about their condition and size.
• Allow extra time: Inspections and testing can take several time, so factor this into your move schedule.
• Budget carefully: Costs can rise quickly — make sure you’re aware of all potential fees in advance.
• Explore simpler options: In some cases, it may be easier and more affordable to take seeds or small cuttings rather than whole plants.

Is It Cheaper to Move Plants or Buy New Ones in France?

While some plants may have sentimental or botanical value, it’s worth considering the financial side. In most cases, buying similar or even identical plants locally in France is far more economical than transporting them.

Here’s why:

• The minimum cost of moving a single plant (including inspection and certification) is around £186.68
• In contrast, buying a new plant in France of the same size and type may only cost €20–€50
• With this in mind, unless a plant is irreplaceable, most movers find it far more practical and cost-effective to start fresh with new purchases in France

Plant Cost Comparison (UK vs France – 2025)

Plant Type	UK Average Price	France Average Price
Small potted plants (10–15cm)	£3.50 – £6.00	€4.00 – €7.00
Herbaceous perennials	£6.00 – £12.00	€7.00 – €15.00
Shrubs (30–50cm)	£15.00 – £25.00	€20.00 – €30.00
Fruit trees	£25.00 – £45.00	€30.00 – €50.00
Seeds (per packet)	£1.80 – £3.00	€2.00 – €4.00

Prices are broadly similar across both countries, with a slight premium on certain plants in France — but still far more affordable than importing them from the UK under current rules.

Alternative Options

If the costs and procedures feel overwhelming, there are other ways to preserve your garden memories and replant in France:

• Take photographs of your existing garden to recreate a similar space abroad
• Collect seeds from your favourite flowers or shrubs to grow again in your new garden
• Research nurseries in your local area in France and replace plants with similar varieties
• Only take highly sentimental or irreplaceable specimens

Let Central Moves Help with Your Relocation to France

At Central Moves Ltd, we understand that relocating internationally involves careful thought and attention to detail — especially when it comes to personal items like plants.

Our experienced international removals team is here to help you navigate the post-Brexit regulations, plan accordingly, and transport your belongings safely to your new home in France.

Whether you’re choosing to move your plants or start fresh with a new garden, we’ll provide the guidance and support you need every step of the way.

Need advice about removals to France?
Get in touch with our team today for expert guidance tailored to your move.

Note: Rules, procedures, and fees are subject to change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on inspections and certification, please visit the official DEFRA website.