Quote:
Originally Posted by DK2021
I got an email informing me that the seeds would be labelled "gift" with a nominal value.
I do actually have a "small lots of seed" permit from the USDA. It is easy to obtain, and when overseas sellers request it, you send them a copy of the permit and an accompanying label that the seller uses when packaging up your order.
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Unfortunately, pepper and tomato seeds aren't eligible for import with those permits due to disease issues. And any time you buy tomato or pepper seeds from overseas without a phytosanitary certificate, you risk seizure. Possibly that's why the sellers label packages as "home decoration" or "gift," not just concern about customs duties being charged.
Here's the USDA language:
Tomato and pepper seed from all countries requires testing for virus and viroid diseases. These seeds must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin with the additional declaration that says “the seeds have been tested for (name of virus/viroid) of quarantine significance prior to entry into the United States or that the seeds are produced in a country in which these (name of virus/viroid) are not known to occur.”
Important: Small quantities of tomato and pepper seeds are not eligible for import under a PPQ 587 permit for Small Lots of Seed.