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Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Hmmmm We have had some packages arrive with customs destroying the seeds within. The reason being written on the form was "Propagatable seeds contained with in package". Just wanted to give a heads up to the other growers outside US planning exchanges.

11/10/2006 11:37:50 AM

Country of origin?
Why were they declared?

first time doing this so I'm curious

11/10/2006 11:44:27 AM

Hampshire, UK

Oh no, I hope they weren't the seeds I sent.... :-(

11/10/2006 1:01:45 PM

Follansbee, Wv

Here we go again...happens every year. I would love to see the seed collections of some of those customes agents.

11/10/2006 2:28:34 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Here is what I was able to find.
The seed meets the following packaging and shipping requirements:

(i) A typed or legibly printed seed list/invoice accompanies each shipment with the name of the collector/shipper, the botanical names (at least to genus, preferably to species level) listed alphabetically, as well as the country of origin, and country shipped from, for each taxon. Each seed packet is clearly labeled with the name of the collector/shipper, the country of origin, and the scientific name at least to the genus, and preferably to the species, level. The invoice/seed list may provide a code for each lot, which may be used on the seed packets in lieu of the full list of required information. In this case, each packet must at least include the appropriate code, which is referenced to the entry for that packet on the seed list/invoice.
(ii) There are a maximum of 50 seeds of 1 taxon (taxonomic category such as genus, species, cultivar, etc.) per packet; or a maximum weight not to exceed 10 grams of seed of 1 taxon per packet;
(iii) There are a maximum of 50 seed packets per shipment;
(iv) The seeds are free from pesticides;
(v) The seeds are securely packaged in packets or envelopes and sealed to prevent spillage [Note: we recommend that seeds are packed in resealable, clear plastic envelopes to facilitate inspection];
(vi) The shipment is free from soil, plant material other than seed, other foreign matter or debris, seeds in the fruit or seed pod, and living organisms such as parasitic plants, pathogens, insects, snails, mites; and
(vii) At the time of importation, the shipment is sent to an approved port of entry listed in the permit.

11/10/2006 3:37:43 PM

Long Island,New York

(vii) At the time of importation, the shipment is sent to an approved port of entry listed in the permit.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Permit?.....

11/10/2006 4:13:59 PM

Eddyz@efirehose.net

Destroying the seeds has gone on for 2 plus years. The U.S. has very strong rules that need to be followed. If you want to make sure the seeds make into the U.S. you need to have a Pyto Certificate. or basically an inspection fron the originating country.
There has been numerous rumors that the hobby seed exchanges would be exempt, but it hasn't happened yet.
Wisconsin is the worst state for destroying seeds, second is California, Strange but true. Washington State is the Easiest to have a bubble go through unmolested.
Eddy

11/10/2006 6:34:17 PM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

Malc M,
This is how to go about getting one from the UK.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/Diary/DiaryViewOne.asp?eid=30413

A few months ago I did read that the rules had changed for small amounts into US,the IMPORTER could to get a licence or something will see if I can find it again.

11/11/2006 2:18:30 AM

Cornwall UK.(50N 5W)300ft.

This is a link to that thread.
http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=3&p=162000

11/11/2006 2:26:20 AM

Hampshire, UK

Thanks Mark and others. So it seems like the person receiving the seeds in the US needs to have applied using this form ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/forms/ppqform587.pdf ) for a permit for import of small lots of seed under the regultions listed here ( http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/Q37/smalllotsseed.html ). There is NO cost for applying for this permit. ( See http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/servlet/articleservlet?command=viewarticle&category1=seed&sitearea=seed&articleid=1&category=seed ). It sounds like special mailing labels are provided with the permit. Has anybody had practical experience of doing this?

Shannon, If you fancy applying for a permit I will try sending some more seeds as it would be really useful to see how this permit system works, but don't worry if you have got too much on. I was probably naïve to just send them but the seed packets looked great so it has really pissed me off!

OK anyone like to explain to me the rules regarding import of curcurbit seeds into the EU from non-member countries? My planned Mackinnon 1082 seeds better not end up in the hands of DEFRA!

11/11/2006 4:07:21 AM

Wallingford,CT

under the "small lot seeds" permit the approved port is "N/A"
looks easy..........

11/11/2006 8:27:18 AM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

what happens if you just send without telling what is in there? just label misc. nic naks, etc.

11/11/2006 1:59:38 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

I have read in years past, that if you vaccuum (sp?) seal a seed and cram it in the middle of a candy bar, they will never find it??? LOL Peace, Wayne
Uh Oh, I forgot to mention that the feds are prbly monitoring this web site, cause we are tryin to illegally import AG seeds.....life is so silly!!!!!!!!???

11/11/2006 7:01:30 PM

President - GPC

Wayne I thought those were almonds........

11/12/2006 3:47:22 PM

Hampshire, UK

For import of seeds into the UK see http://www.bigpumpkins.com/MsgBoard/ViewThread.asp?b=23&p=178975 Any comments welcome!

11/13/2006 5:45:45 AM

Ankeny, Iowa

I'm not laughing at all of you and your misfortunes. But you gotta admit that it's pretty funny that U.S. customs are destroying pumpkin seeds. They're treating them like they are illegal drug seeds or something LOL! Oh yeah somebody is going to inport giant pumpkin seeds to make "pumpkin dope" LOL! Why don't U.S. customs focus on important things like terrorists and how to destroy/keep them out and not on "illegal" pumpkin seeds LOL!
I just thought that a little humor would help cheer you guys up a little. This problem occurs every year. Hopefully it gets fixed eventually. Good luck to you all and Happy Holidays.

11/14/2006 4:24:35 PM