I think it would be almost impossible for DEFRA to have a list of seeds NOT allowed into the UK, because that would mean they would have to assess every seed in the world. Most countries that do have a list of seeds not allowed in, such as the US or Australia, usually only ban seeds of species which they have assessed as a danger to their own native species.

Seeds, particularly seeds of normal garden flowers, don't generally pose much of a problem, so it would probably be safe to work on the assumption that most seeds sold by reputable seed companies would be allowed into the UK. Obviously, any species on the CITES list wouldn't be allowed, but a reputable company wouldn't be selling them, anyway.

You could also work on the assumption that if there is no official list you can refer to, importing seeds isn't normally considered a problem here in the UK.

Another reason for the lack of a list of unwelcome species might be that the UK is a small country, with a generally unfavourable climate for growing many plants which are rampant in warmer places. I remember when someone asked for a few seeds of Kudzu, Pueraria lobata, they were bombarded with posts and e-mails from people in America telling them not to grow it, and saying no-one should be allowed to sell seeds of such an invasive plant, when the plant hardly survives here!

I also think it would be almost impossible for DEFRA to compile a list, they cant even get a website to work correctly.

I may have received a partial list which i obtained from an email reply from The Scottish Government regarding this issue, it is no longer DEFRA who deals with the banned and permitted list it has been taken over by FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) who have a link to http://www.kew.org/conservation/cites-slidepack.html where it advises on some plants and seeds which are banned or restricted and who can import them.

It also gives information that states seeds from EU countries can be freely brought in to the UK by travellers but in limited amounts as long as they are for personal use and not for commercial use.

There was 2 reasons i was looking for a list, 1 = I saw wild cucumber plants with pods in Poland and liked the plant and pods but never collected any as i thought it was illegal to bring any wild picked seeds/plants into the UK and on another forum i was advised by an american man who had them growing near to him, as i live in the UK he could not send any and i assumed it was on a banned list.

2 = Some species of plants are classed as endangered in the wild therefore it is illegal to remove them from their natural habitat but wondered if someone who had one of the plants growing in their home from before the said plant was added to the CITES list and had collected seeds could they trade or gift seeds to someone in the UK or indeed any country legally. ( This is also refered to in the list above).

I am going to research the information and see if i could compile a list of definate no-no`s and possibles.

Thanks for your reply

Steve

I have just come across a supplier of Kings seeds who offer free delivery on all there seeds. www.grovesnurseries.co.uk

Dear Sir/Madam We are producing all types of hybrid vegitable seeds, so we want improving our sales in all states.If you are intrested deal with us please contact us through email.

Here is a link that might be useful: greatseed international pvt ltd INDIA