Posting seeds to the US and other countries

[Snip 13]

I've wanted to send vegetable seeds etc in the past to friends abroad but I'm not sure how strict they are at US Customs.
Does anyone know how to go about sending items of this nature by post or Fedex?
I don't want to take a risk and end up having items confiscated.

[forty_caliber]

Importation of agricultural products is strictly controlled. Here is a website with more information to get you started. Bringing Agricultural Products Into the United States - CBP.gov

The method of import doesn't really matter. Mail or in person the regulations apply.

.40

[pacanis]

Yes. We could get some little critter living in the seeds that our indigenous plants can't deal with. And vice versa if you were to receive something.

[Snip 13]

Thank you both for the replies, very helpful indeed :)

[jennyema]

I've brought back seeds from Italy many times, fully declared on my customs firm and never got a second glance.

[Dawgluver]

Originally Posted by jennyema

I've brought back seeds from Italy many times, fully declared on my customs firm and never got a second glance.

Were they in sealed packets, Jennyema? I recall someone (Kayelle?) bringing back some expensive mushrooms, only to find they had hatched all sorts of worms, and she had to toss the lot.

Recently, when we go through our Mexican airport, they've employed a fruit sniffing dog, in addition to the drug dogs.

I can certainly understand not wanting to introduce nonnative, invasive pests. We already have a mess here with them, both plants and animals.

[jennyema]

Originally Posted by Dawgluver

Were they in sealed packets, Jennyema? I recall someone (Kayelle?) bringing back some expensive mushrooms, only to find they had hatched all sorts of worms, and she had to toss the lot.

Recently, when we go through our Mexican airport, they've employed a fruit sniffing dog, in addition to the drug dogs.

I can certainly understand not wanting to introduce nonnative, invasive pests. We already have a mess here with them, both plants and animals.

Yes. They were in sealed bags.

I've brought back all kinds of foodstuffs from Europe, including the most awesome dried porcini mushrooms. The Europeans are very used to vacuum sealing foodstuffs for tourists.

I brought back a bunch of cheese from London and Paris a few months ago.

The USDA beagle will always find your fruit, though.

P.s. I saw a show about the Miami airport and all the issues they have with people bringing in illegal animals and produce. They have a cool laboratory right in the airport to detect pests.

[Snip 13]

Thank you all :) I just wanted to send some sealed and treated seeds that are not available in the US. They are safe and pest free, maybe they won't have a problem with me sending them.

[buckytom]

Originally Posted by jennyema

Yes. They were in sealed bags.

I've brought back all kinds of foodstuffs from Europe, including the most awesome dried porcini mushrooms. The Europeans are very used to vacuum sealing foodstuffs for tourists.

I brought back a bunch of cheese from London and Paris a few months ago.

The USDA beagle will always find your fruit, though.

P.s. I saw a show about the Miami airport and all the issues they have with people bringing in illegal animals and produce. They have a cool laboratory right in the airport to detect pests.

did you bring back cheese pretending it was a baby, or in the bell of musical instruments?

[pacanis]

Originally Posted by buckytom

did you bring back cheese pretending it was a baby, or in the bell of musical instruments?

You forgot portioned and put in balloons...