Seeds from abroad

[Diana]

Not sure where to post this, so hope it's OK here.

Does anyone know what the official line is on bring seeds back from holidays abroad? 8) :-\

[Diana]

[Mothy]

Mmmmm, not sure diana. My folks-in-law have just bought me some French carrots and fine beans back from a trip. Don't know the official line, would DEFRA be able to help?

[aquilegia]

I think it depends what country from. I believe anything is ok from EC countries. I remember seeing something somewhere, but can't remember where!

[Moggle]

I declared my 2 packets of Aussie seeds when I came back in January, and I was allowed through with them.
I recall them being of the opinion that proper sealed packets of seed were okay. I'd still declare them at customs to be on the safe side.

[westsussexlottie]

I buy most of my seed in France - have never had a problem.

I believe there is some rule over the weight of fresh veg etc though from EEC.
Could include seeds or sets.

[Diana]

Moggle

What happens when you declare? Do you just go up + say "I've got this" or do they search everything?

[kenkew]

Mostly seeds are OK although I think spuds are on the banned list. Some plants are a no-no due to possibility of pests in them. Can't see that Jap knot weed seed would be welcome so there must be a list some place.

[Moggle]

Moggle
Do you just go up + say "I've got this" or do they search everything?

That's pretty much what I did, packets in hand. Someone had a quick look at them, and then waved us through, didn't search the rest of our stuff.

[Lillypad]

You're allowed to bring back 5 packets of seeds, 5 plants or tree seedlings & 2 kg corms/bulbs/rhizomes. You are not allowed to bring in seed potatoes.

If you are caught trying to bring in more, customs staff can confiscate everything!  :o

Lillypad

[Marianne]

The two last times I went to Spain, I brought back some seeds, especially of that lovely looking pink flower (annoyus something?) that grows like weed on the side of the roads.  I never declare it but on the other hand, it never germinates.  also some other seeds but nothing ever seems to want to germinate  ???

I think I should really let them know .....

[Diana]

You're allowed to bring back 5 packets of seeds, 5 plants or tree seedlings & 2 kg corms/bulbs/rhizomes. You are not allowed to bring in seed potatoes.

If you are caught trying to bring in more, customs staff can confiscate everything!  :o

Thanks Lillypad

Is that from anywhere in the world or just the EU?

[wardy]

Good job they did let you bring them in Moggle or I would have no Aussie pumpkins.  Ta very much  :)   I have some mooli seeds from Germany brought back by my mate but I don't know if they were declared.  I'm declaring them now.   ;D

[philcooper]

Is that from anywhere in the world or just the EU?

That's from the EU

For "vegetative material" ie anything other that seeds (seed potatoes are vegetative material) other than the concession for the EU you need a phytosanitary certificate (a bit of paper that says its healthy to import vegetative material

Generally seed is not a problem - I believe there are a small number of banned sources.

The DEFRA website is singularly unhelpful on the subject - it takes a phone call or email to get an answer from them

Phil

[Diana]

Thanks Phil

[David R]

I get my parents in spain to post me the seeds left over from fresh local peppers. They are smaller than bell peppers and are eaten green, fried, as a tapas with a glass of white wine....mmmmmmm! ;D