Import Seeds With Ease

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By Charlie Nardozzi

Gardeners love to travel and invariably stumble across seeds of unique varieties when visiting other countries. Until recently you've needed a phytosanitary certificate to import seeds into the United States. However, the rules have now changed.

The USDA has instituted new procedures for importing "small lots" of seeds. Small lots are defined as less than 50 seeds each of up to 50 varieties. There's no charge for importing these seeds. All you need to do is fill out the online permit that is valid for three years. The seed needs to be professionally collected with the appropriate information on the packet, such as the collector/shipper's name, the country of origin, and the scientific name (at least the genus).

For more information on how to import small quantities of seed into the U.S., go to: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

About Charlie Nardozzi
Thumb of 2020-06-04/Trish/0723fdCharlie Nardozzi is an award winning, nationally recognized garden writer, speaker, radio, and television personality. He has worked for more than 30 years bringing expert gardening information to home gardeners through radio, television, talks, tours, on-line, and the printed page. Charlie delights in making gardening information simple, easy, fun and accessible to everyone. He's the author of 6 books, has three radio shows in New England and a TV show. He leads Garden Tours around the world and consults with organizations and companies about gardening programs. See more about him at Gardening With Charlie.
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