Bringing seeds to the US

[ClickityClackity 134]

Hi all!

 

I want to bring some seeds to the US from my hometown (tomato and other vegetables, nothing nefarious) and was wondering if this is possible. I haven't seen anything clear enough online and on the CPB website, so I'll ask here since there might be someone that knows about it.

 

Thank you!

[Ortolan 381]

If you bring any vegetable matter (including seeds) into the U.S. from another country, you're required to declare it at customs. If you don't declare it, and they find it, they'll get a mite upset with you. 

 

They might confiscate it, and they might not...it's at their discretion.

 

Here's the link:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/bringing-agricultural-products-united-states

 

Edited September 9, 2019 by Ortolan
Additional info

[ClickityClackity 134]

2 minutes ago, Ortolan said:

If you bring any vegetable matter (including seeds) into the U.S. from another country, you're required to declare it at customs. If you don't declare it, and they find it, they'll get a mite upset with you. 

 

They might confiscate it, and they might not...it's at their discretion.

 

Here's the link:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/clearing-cbp/bringing-agricultural-products-united-states

 

I always declare everything I bring into the US, I just wanted to know if they are going to allow them or not.

But if it's at the CPB discretion I'll have to take my chances I guess

 

Thank you for your answer and let's see if someone has another answer!

[Lil bear 4,201]

15 minutes ago, ClickityClackity said:

I always declare everything I bring into the US, I just wanted to know if they are going to allow them or not.

But if it's at the CPB discretion I'll have to take my chances I guess

 

Thank you for your answer and let's see if someone has another answer!

We brought some seeds in once .declared them. They were inspected then released to us. It will depend on what they are and whether they have any soil etc visible on them. You’ve got nothing to lose but time through inspection 

[ClickityClackity 134]

1 hour ago, Lil bear said:

We brought some seeds in once .declared them. They were inspected then released to us. It will depend on what they are and whether they have any soil etc visible on them. You’ve got nothing to lose but time through inspection 

I mean, I'm bringing some food and alcohol anyways, so time is the least of my concerns. Luckily the seeds come packaged and with a certificate from Spain that they are pest free.

 

How is the inspection for the seeds? How long did it take?

 

Thank you so much!

[Liam2021 583]

No meat, no fresh fruit. Seafood like fish is fine as long as it's dry. Seed need to be in a seal packet. Also, declare anything is a golden rule.

[ClickityClackity 134]

4 minutes ago, H&T said:

No meat, no fresh fruit. Seafood like fish is fine as long as it's dry. Seed need to be in a seal packet. Also, declare anything is a golden rule.

Thank you so much! Everything will be declared!

[Mayi & MiMi 172]

You may want to consulate with CPB.  Some seeds may be harmful in other environments. Its always best to inquire.  I wanted to bring some seeds with me to Morocco but was told that it may not be good to bring them in.  Here is something I found interesting, hope it helps 

 

https://asktheexpert.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5420/~/can-i-send-or-take-garden-seeds-to-another-country%3F

[ClickityClackity 134]

8 minutes ago, Mayi & MiMi said:

You may want to consulate with CPB.  Some seeds may be harmful in other environments. Its always best to inquire.  I wanted to bring some seeds with me to Morocco but was told that it may not be good to bring them in.  Here is something I found interesting, hope it helps 

 

https://asktheexpert.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5420/~/can-i-send-or-take-garden-seeds-to-another-country%3F

thank you so much!!

[kiwibean 48]

I've bought packaged seeds in before (correctly declared).  They didn't mind.  And then I never planted them anyway!

[Sarge21555 206]

I brought seeds from usa to italy on carry-onz. About 4 pounds without an issue.

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

"Travelers may bring fruit, vegetable, flower, and other types of seeds for planting if they meet the following conditions:

• The seeds are not otherwise prohibited, protected under the Endangered Species Act or Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or subject to any special restrictions, such as post-entry quarantine or treatment.
• You have a phytosanitary certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization of the country you are leaving indicating the seeds are free of pests and diseases.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspects the seeds at the first port of entry and determines they are free of pests and diseases and meet all entry requirements.

Travelers may also bring small lots of seed (not to exceed 50 packets of seeds) without a phytosanitary certificate if the seeds are not otherwise prohibited and you have a Small Lots of Seed Permit issued by APHIS.

 

Seeds from trees and shrubs are prohibited."

 

Source: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/traveler/intl-travel/plants-seeds/plants-seeds