Kentucky Ginseng Dealers

What is a Ginseng Dealer?

A ginseng "dealer" in Kentucky means any person or agent of an entity buying ginseng for resale or export. Under 302 KAR 45:010 E Section 2 "Dealer License Requirements," no person shall purchase uncertified ginseng for resale or export unless they possess a ginseng dealers license.

Who Should Become a Ginseng Dealer?

Anyone wishing to buy ginseng from harvesters or anyone who is planning to sell the ginseng and/or certify it for export out of Kentucky will need to be a licensed Kentucky dealer. Any harvester wishing to export their own ginseng out of Kentucky must also be a licensed Kentucky dealer.

Who Can a Ginseng Dealer Sell to?

Once the ginseng has been certified by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) for export out of Kentucky, it may then be sold at any time, to any person within the state or outside of the state. Certified ginseng may even be sold in Kentucky from April 1 - September 15. Keep in mind, if selling outside of Kentucky you must still abide by that state’s importing laws and regulations regarding the sale of certified ginseng.

To Apply for a Kentucky Ginseng Dealer License:


  1. Print and complete all sections of the dealer application, available for download from KDA’s website. Note, we will only publish your name, address, and primary phone number as part of our dealer directory.
  2. Have your completed dealer application notarized. Notary services are typically offered at places like banks, UPS stores, or other businesses. Make a copy of your driver's license or other government issued identification on letter sized paper to include with your dealer application. Your information must be current and valid.
  3. Make a check or money order payable to "Kentucky State Treasurer." The fee for a Kentucky ginseng dealer license is $75.00 for Kentucky residents and $150.00 for non-residents.
  4. Mail your completed and notarized dealer application, copy of identification, and payment to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Ginseng Program, 111 Corporate Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601.

After your ginseng dealer application has been approved, you will receive a ginseng dealer packet that contains the materials and forms necessary to conduct ginseng business in Kentucky. The first mailing of packets for a season should arrive beginning September 1. In order to conduct ginseng business in Kentucky, you must first receive the forms included in the dealer packet and confirm you are listed on the ginseng dealer directory.

What is Included in the Ginseng Dealer Packet?

Your dealer packet will include lists of Kentucky Dealers (sorted by name and county), a copy of the Kentucky Ginseng Dealer Guide, a green to dry ginseng conversion chart, a list of Kentucky cities and counties, an export certificate lot builder worksheet, and a purchase form log sheet.

Ginseng Certification Appointments

Ginseng certification is offered by appointment only, typically on Thursdays of each week, with some exceptions for holidays and other events. The Ginseng Dealer Guide includes a calendar listing the certification days for the current season. To schedule an appointment, you may use the self-scheduling tool to request an available appointment time. If you are unable to use the self-scheduling tool, please contact KDA ginseng staff to schedule an appointment time. Prior to your appointment, you will need to submit your Purchase Transaction Forms and Dealer to and Dealer Transaction Forms. Forms must be submitted by 4PM on the Monday prior to your appointment

Important Dates for Ginseng Dealers