Giving seeds to a plant-loving friend sounds like a great idea. but the real question is whether it can be mailed. what if it is illegal to send seeds by mail?
so is it illegal to send seeds by mail?
sending seeds by mail is not illegal if the seed itself is not illegal. however, sending seeds abroad requires phytosanitary certificates in most countries. there are also rules and regulations on how the seeds should be shipped. only if they are followed can you send seeds by mail.
that was just the preview of the whole discussion. read on to find the details on the whole topic.
then, let’s get started!
sending seeds by mail: legal or illegal?
As we mentioned before, sending seeds by mail is not illegal. but the seed itself has to be legal.
for example, you cannot mail cannabis seeds to any country. shipment of regular seeds is allowed, but must go through legal procedures.
Most countries allow the transport of seeds from different countries. but they require a phytosanitary certificate.
is an official document issued by a country’s department of agriculture. ensures that plants or plant seeds to be mailed are safe for shipment.
why sending seeds by mail can be harmful?
Many people share this concern about why seeds can’t be mailed. there is a scientific and logical reasoning behind this. hopefully this section will clear up your confusion about them.
1. habitat region
When we talk about plants we also see their habitat regions. Not all plants can be grown in different environments.
You may fancy a native plant and want to plant it in your backyard. but doing so could bring a drastic change to your garden, even the entire area.
Plants have their own ecosystem. they are used to the native regions where they grow naturally. Thanks to modern technology, we can plant more species than ever before in different regions.
But that doesn’t apply to every plant out there. not all plants can grow in different environments.
2. ecosystem change
The presence of a new plant can bring changes to many things. it can change the soil and affect other plants planted near it.
there may be diseases of the newly brought plant that can contaminate other plants around it. this can bring disaster to the existing ecosystem.
3. pests and insects
plants attract pests and insects. it is another reason why you should not send any seed to a different region. it can attract new types of insects and then cause an infestation in your area.
these are the factors for which the shipment of seeds has to go through legal processes. by inspecting how their existence may affect the environment, the decision is made.
how to send seeds by mail?
now, you may want to send seeds by mail. but as mentioned, sending seeds by mail must be done in proper order.
There are some guidelines for sending seeds by mail. the preparation for shipping dry seeds and wet seeds is different.
here’s how to prepare them for mailing-
dry seed
Put the seeds and their packaging in a ziplock bag and seal it properly. the packaging material must be weather resistant.
That is why we recommend using these products to pack dry seeds-
Put everything in a mailing envelope. the envelope must contain the mailing label. include your name, address and contact information, and other required information.
wet seeds
Preparing wet seeds for mailing is more complex than preparing dry seeds. moist seeds can develop while in package.
therefore its growth must be taken into account when preparing the package. In addition, the packaging must be made in waterproof materials.
These are the waterproof packing materials we suggest for packing-
material should consist of waxed craft paper or tar paper. if you are looking for such documents, we suggest you use these products-
If not available, use equivalent plastic wrap or bags. but make sure the plastic liner is safe for plants. the materials must not be weakened by humidity. Also, make sure you protect the seed from injury or death.
Once you’re done packing, place everything in a mailing envelope. include names, mailing addresses, and other required information about the sender and recipient. now, you can mail them to their destination.
what to do if you receive seeds by mail
There are risks to putting a new seed in an inhabited area. if you are not sure of the consequences, send it to the local agricultural institution.
they can check the facts for you. In the USA. seed packages shipped internationally must go through these protocols.
here is what to do-
do not open the package, do not plant any seeds. keep it as you received it. send it to your local farm office.
If the packaging is open, place the seeds and packaging in a sealable bag. seal the plastic bag properly and put it in a mailing envelope.
Send the crate to your local farm office.
This way, you can be sure that the seeds won’t harm their surroundings.
frequently asked questions
question: can seeds be sent to europe?
answer: seeds can be sent to europe only if you have a phytosanitary certificate. it takes a minimum of two weeks to obtain the certificate. the cost per shipment is a minimum of 125 euros.
question: can airport scanners detect seeds?
answer: a small flat bag of seeds is not detected by an airport scanner. if there is more than one package, the scanner can detect them. most countries allow the transport of seeds as long as it is not illegal.
question: how to pack a live plant for shipping?
Answer: Wrap the plant pot in bubble wrap to prevent damage. add a cardboard collar near the base of the plant to cover the ground. now, place the base in a sealed plastic bag and it’s ready to ship.
conclusion
I got your answer for- is it illegal to send seeds by mail? Hopefully, we were able to help you with the information provided. but always make sure you know your local farming rules and regulations.
Until next time!