Just wondering if it is legal to bring seeds into the country, since so many invasive plants have already been introduced and there is usually little we can do by the time we find out that they are a mistake. Perhaps sticking to what we can purchase here is the best bet.

It is legal to bring seeds into the country - with certain restrictions. A friend of mine recently returned from the Philippines, and declared some factory sealed, commercial seed upon his return. He was allowed to bring it through.

For gardeners wanting small amounts of seed from abroad, there is now a program that allows limited importation. The "Small lots of seed program", run by the USDA-APHIS, is intended to allow gardeners, collectors, researchers, breeders, etc. to import small quantities - 50 seeds or less of any given variety.

There are restrictions; the seeds must not be on a "prohibited" list, they must be packaged according to certain guidelines, and they must undergo inspection. But this is not as daunting as it sounds - most vegetable seed will be permitted. Many foreign commercial sources deal with exportation to the U.S., and can package their seed accordingly. The program also allows for seed swaps, as long as the sender complies with the requirements, & is sent the necessary documents by the U.S. permit holder.

The link below is the most informative that I have found for the program, with FAQ's & links to program websites. Ironic, given that it is located on a U.K. website.

Bringing seed into the country without a permit, especially seed from non-commercial sources, runs the risk of introducing insects or disease. At the very least, such seed might be confiscated; if there is willful deceit, or if prohibited species are involved, there could be fines.

Here is a link that might be useful: Small lots seed importation program

"...not as daunting as it sounds..."

It's good that you posted accurate information, zeedman. There are a lot of misunderstandings and false assumptions about this matter. Bringing a few seeds back from a trip abroad need not be a hassle.

Jim

Recently I saw a reference to our ancestors from Europe bringing seeds of beloved vegetables thru the gates of Ellis Island.... by sewing them into the hems of clothing, etc.

Some things don't change... I would argue that even moving seeds and plants from one climate zone to another is enough to get into trouble.

Example:

I grew up in the the High Plains of Northeastern Colorado, and during a trip home in 1994, I collected a wide array of low, gray plants for a special rock garden. Most perished quickly of mildew, but one Artemesia did not...

I shared it with a re-adopted Lakota herbalist, who was delighted to see her dry, rocky Arkansas hillside turn white with rapidly advancing cherished white sage... I doubt her cattleman neighbors have been so thrilled, assuming it has reached their grass by now...

Even the stuff already here needs consideration. Castor bean (Ricinus)will reseed here in Arkansas, but generally the seeds come up too late to make seeds again themselves. However, it's right at the top of Hawaii's Pernicious Weeds list...

THANKS, Zeedman, for the info on importing. 48 hours ago I bought 7 interesting hot peppers from an eBay seller in Australia, who assured me I would have no problem with his airmail shipment making it thru. Ask me next week???

Jan in Arkansas