seed from overseas

[gan heather]

I'm American and going home to visit my parents sometime in the next few months. I'm interested in bringing some seeds back to the UK with me, but am not sure if that's allowed. I know there are signs in the airport about not bringing live plants into the country, but does that include seeds? Anybody know? Anybody done that before (and lived to tell about it)?

[zazen999]

I brought 35 packets in last trip back from NYC; all from Brooklyn Botanical Gardens shop...

Still alive to tell the tale......

I'd google 'importing seed to uk' and see what it says....

[gan heather]

Ah, I just found on the RHS website a section on importing seeds and plants. It seems a person can bring back 5 retail packets of seeds from the US. Just a bit less than 35, but probably enough for me.

[Nicos]

Give DEFRA a ring.....Telephone: 08459 33 55 77 ( 8-6 weekdays)

They were fantastic with me when I wanted help about importing plants to France.

If there is a personal limit then you are also allowed to post certain seeds- I think with a certificate???

Interestingly I thought it was seed variety not number of packets which were policed.

Do let us know when you find out!

[gan heather]

I've done a bit more googling and all things I've found so far state the max at 5 unless you have a special certificate. I don't think that certificate is hard to get, but I figure if I bring back 5 and my husband brings back 5, that's definitely more than I need. (I don't actually need any seeds, but I want!)

[jojo2910]

We bought a few packets back with us when we went to see the in laws last Christmas in Florida and they have posted us a few too. We weren't stopped, though we've not grown any yet.

[bearded bloke]

Interesting this,both my neighbours & ourselves have brought root stock & bulbs back from Madiera with no problem,however they had to be spotlessly clean of soil

[gan heather]

Interesting this,both my neighbours & ourselves have brought root stock & bulbs back from Madiera with no problem,however they had to be spotlessly clean of soil

Countries inside the EU have different (looser) restrictions than countries outside it.

[bearded bloke]

Still on the soil thing but a bit lateral,went on a few golfing holidays to the USA & they inspected the golf shoes for soil & then sprayed them with ? something ?

[Hilary B]

No idea whether it's legal, but I posted seeds to an American friend who couldn't get the variety of tomato I had mentioned.