The Department of Plant Industry (DPI) strives to prevent the introduction of new plant pests into South Carolina, as well as the spread of existing plant pests to noninfested locations through inspections, plant pest surveys, quarantines, and control and eradication programs.  Movement of nursery stock is regulated by every state and foreign country. Under South Carolina law, any person engaged in the production or collection of nursery stock for sale and/or distribution must be a licensed nurserymen. Nursery Stock is defined as: All trees (fruit, nut, shade and ornamental), ornamental plants, turfgrass, bush fruits, buds, grafts, scions, vines, roots, bulbs, seedlings, slips, tissue culture or other portions of plants (excluding true seeds) grown, collected or kept for propagation, sale or distribution. Also includes any other plant or plant part included by the Director, if regulating its movement is necessary to control any plant pest.

There are two categories of nursery certificates in South Carolina: Nursery Grower and Nursery Dealer.

• A Nursery Growers Certificate is for any place where nursery stock is grown for sale.
• A Nursery Dealer Certificate is for any person, not a grower of nursery stock, who buys certified nursery stock for resale.

To obtain either a Nursery Grower or Nursery Dealer Certificate or for more information on the South Carolina Nursery and Dealer Certification Program, please contact the Department of Plant Industry at (864) 646-2126 or follow this link to submit your question through our contact form.

Regulations	Related Links
Crop Pest Act Nursery Regulations Nursery Registration and Fees Neglected or Abandoned Orchard Act	SC Certified Nursery Growers SC Certified Nursery Dealers Contact Information Form National Plant Board