Quote:
Originally Posted by shule1
I don't think it's specific to SSE. It seems to apply to all seed imports to the USA (from other countries) that don't require a phytosanitary certificate.
I meant that the recipient is supposed to have a Small Lots of Seed permit (not Tania, per se). I'm sure Tania has whatever she needs, if she needs something like that. She seems to be aware of the issue, which is nice.
Tania talks about how US customers may wish to obtain one (see the last bullet on the page), although she doesn't outright say it's illegal if you don't have one (I did say it was illegal, since the information about it seems to say it's required, but the penalty you're probably most likely to incur, if any, is destroyed seeds, although I don't really know).
I don't know why importers are supposed to have a permit, or how you're supposed to get the mail service to ship it to the proper port of entry (that seems a bit much to expect), but it's enough for my conscience to be concerned about the issue (and lose sleep over it were I to go against my conscience there). So, I thought I'd let others know, since it's hard to find much information on the matter. I actually did order there before I knew for sure that it shipped from Canada, but I didn't feel right about growing the seeds after I found that link I just gave you. I figured bringing up the topic maybe would help others to know stuff like that beforehand (so they can make an informed decision and avoid wasting seeds). At least Tania made some money, though (I don't regret where the money went). She does good service to the world with all the tomatoes she maintains and the information she provides.
I don't condemn anyone for not using a Small Lots of Seed permit, even if I personally feel getting one is the right thing for me to do before ordering. And, I'm not the police, a lawyer or a judge. I'm just giving information to whom it may concern. |
First, no it's not just SSE, you are correct, but they were the first to give the links to the proper place where one could obtain a permit.And that b/c there are many SSE members from many countries
This all started many years ago when the Gov did place a ban on importation of seeds to the US, and it was to prevent so called noxious weeds from entering,as tumbleweed did.I think I posted about this before.
And yes customs did flag some stuff coming in and yes,they also confiscated the seeds. Same as what happens if you try to send seeds to Australia, but that's trying to prevent spread of the potato spindle viroid which also infects tomatoes and has now been found in a few places in the US. Same as the ban on getting stuff into the Netherlands,especially tomato seed b/c there are so many companies there that breed varieties and send they send them everywhere for commercial sale.
What it has come down to is large commercial shipments coming mainly from Europe to the US do have to have a phyto, but they have labs that test the seeds before they can be released.
At other forums where I have posted in the past there were several who did have their seeds confiscated.
That's the way I see it now.
Carolyn