skip to main content

Growing from Seed

Importing seeds from overseas ?

18 years ago

Hi,

I am considering importing some flower and fruit seeds from Bangladesh. I am not sure if I can ever grow those here, but just want to give it a shot. I am curious if there are any rules and regulation on this? I went to Paris recently and had a conversation with a gardenshop owner. He said I can bring all type of seeds, bulbs etc, but no plant (anything that has root/soil is against US Agriculture dept policy. This could be true for Europe to US but is that valid for Asia too? My sister and brother-in-law went to visit and thinking of asking them to bring some but don't want them to go through trouble.

Regards,

Intekhab

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

ljrmiller
18 years ago
As long as it's herbaceous plants and the plants are NOT listed on either the CITES list (endangered species) or a state or Federal Noxious Weed list, you can import the seeds without any paperwork. Be sure the seeds have no pulp or soil on them, and carry copies of the appropriate APHIS regulations with you when you go through customs or the goons will confiscate them anyways. You also need to get a phytosanitary inspection certificate from the country of origin--usually available at a moderate or low charge.

If these are seeds of trees/shrubs, again, no CITES list plants or Noxious Weed listed plants, then you need to fill out an APHIS permit (free), get the phytosanitary permit and you are set to import.

Mailing with the appropriate paperwork enclosed in the (bubble-wrap-padded) envelope is often the best course.

You can find the APHIS forms and other information at www.usda.gov--then use the search engine typing in "APHIS" and going from there.

Now, if you want to import even seed of CITES-listed plants, that requires a $70 permit which lasts for two years.

You should be able to grow at least some plants from Bangladesh in Georgia--just not all of them.
shrubs_n_bulbs
18 years ago
This page has printable permit applications, an overview of the permit requirements, and a list of prohibited noxious plants. CITES species you'll have to look up separately.
Related Discussions
Importing seed from other countries
Q
Comments (4)
I, too, have exchanged seeds and even plants with GW members living in other countries. When it comes to purchasing seeds from firms in Canada, Great Britain, etc., they require that you either purchase the phytosanitary certificate which adds considerably to the cost, especially if you are talking about seeds,or obtain the Small Seed Lots permit which is free and satisfies the requirements. So far, no one has responded who tried to go this latter route. So, I repeat the question which I originally posted. Has anyone ordered and received seeds using this somewhat complicated but legitimate method.
...See More
Importing seeds from the US?
Q
Comments (9)
Legally speaking, as long as the seeds are not on one of the CITES lists for endangered or threatened species, and are not on a provincial list of noxious weeds, then you are allowed to import a certain amount of seeds for personal use (off the top of my head, I think the amount is 500g, but I can look it up and provide the references if you wish). You do not need a phytosanitary certificate to import seeds into Canada (you do for plants, except under very specific circumstances). There are no duties applied to seeds, but if your order is valued at $20 CAN or more, GST is applicable (if it's a gift, then the amount is $60 or more). The postal clerk or delivery man will collect that at the time of delivery. NOTE: GST is not always charged or collected because it's a pain in the rear to do so, so they often let it slip through without charging you. Practically speaking, many US companies do not ship to Canada. It may be difficult to find the seeds you want at a place that ships to Canada. One thing I have done in the past is to have them sent to a friend or family member in the US and have them forward them on to me (costs the friend or family member postage). It may be simpler to order plants from Richter's, as ianna suggested, they're a Canadian Company and not that bad - I do find them overpriced, but they're often the only place to get what you want. BP
...See More
HAVE: vegi seeds imported from Japan
Q
Comments (4)
Okay, I emailed you at the address you posted. If you do not get it, please email directly at the address that is next to my user name. Thanks.
...See More
Trading seeds overseas.
Q
Comments (23)
I'm sorry some of you have had bad experiences with customs or beurocrats in the USA. As an American citizen, this makes me feel ashamed that visitors should be treated so unkindly. A lot of times, (I've noticed) government employees of any kind in the US do seem to have an attitude even toward we citizens who pay our taxes (their salaries) and we don't like it either. They can be rude and overstressed and unprofessional and I apologize for them. But I hope you don't think all Americans are like that. We aren't. You do have to understand that the US is a little paranoid right now and has been since the attacks on the World Trade Center. This has left us a bit frightened and worried and made travel more difficult and stressful for everyone boarding a plane into or out of or even within the US. But it is still no excuse for rudeness. I came here to find out if there are restrictions about taking or mailing Australian heirloom seeds (tomato) out of Austrailia, (assuming I can find a variety uniquely Australian). I'm told I can't even take some with me OUT of the country (I'm currently visiting). But I did want to comment on the thing about the Los Angeles Airport. I was just recently through there and no the domestic terminal is not "some distance" from the international terminal. I used to live in L.A. and all of the terminals are in a big U shaped street that loops around and can return to itself. There is a shuttle bus there that you can ride free of charge called the "A" bus which will take you to any of the other terminals. It was actually pretty easy.
...See More
ichoudhury
Original Author
18 years ago
Thank you very much for all the advice. I will definitely go through some of the info you have provided. I honestly did not think there was such restriction unless I was going to Hawaii or Alaska :)) ... Then again, I should learn something from the kudzu history :))

Best Regards and thanks again for your responses...

Related Stories

Houzz Interview: Miss Mustard Seed’s Charming Pennsylvania Home

CONTAINER GARDENS 8 Easy Container Plants to Grow From Seed

Get beautiful blooms and herbs in summer by starting these choice garden picks from seed in spring

FARM YOUR YARD Advice on Canyon Farming From L.A.'s Vegetable Whisperer

By Annie Thornton

See how a screened garden house and raised beds help an edible garden in a Los Angeles canyon thrive

MOVING Making a Home Away From Home

By Laura Gaskill

Feeling like a stranger in a strange land? These tips can help ease the transition after a big move

GARDENING GUIDES How to Plant a New Lawn From Sod

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Take the quick-start route to turf with sod; these installation guidelines will help ensure a healthy and long-lasting lawn

INSPIRING GARDENS From Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle

By Kimberley Bryan

Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes

DECORATING GUIDES An Expat’s Guide to Making a Home Away From Home

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

How do you stay balanced when each foot is in a different culture? You take a stand where you hang your hat

REMODELING GUIDES Get What You Need From the House You Have

By SPACE Architects + Planners

6 ways to rethink your house and get that extra living space you need now

MOST POPULAR 16 Ways to Get More From Your Small Backyard

By Mitchell Parker

Make a tight or awkward yard a real destination with these design tricks from the pros

BATHROOM DESIGN Personal Style: 50 Bath Designs From Creative Owners and Renters

By Annie Thornton

Ideas abound in bathroom styles ranging from upcycled vintage to sleekly modern

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I seed oriental poppy etc on top of mulch

11

Potting mix recs, please

13

What are these?

9

Need help growing Paulownia Tomentosa from seed.

20

This is the earliest I've ever started hardening off tender annuals

9