Tariff question for Tradd

[pinkytoe]

I want to order some flower seeds from Ontario, Canada (only place I can find them). Any clue on how long they will take to go through (or if) and what sort of tariff there might be on something like seeds. The website's description is so vague with shipping to US details that it is hard to figure out.

[Tradd]

Anything made in Canada is duty free. Your problem is seeds are regulated by USDA APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). I'm not sure if the seeds would be allowed into the US. You need to do some research on Reddit from other US buyers of these seeds to see if they've had any issues.

[iris lilies]

I regularly get bulbs from commercial lily growers in Canada and they need a phytosanitary certificate, but that is the responsibility of the seller. That costs them something and they will probably pass that cost on to you.

However – seeds are not nursery plants so probably seeds don’t fall under that requirement.

[Tradd]

I regularly get bulbs from commercial lily growers in Canada and they need a phytosanitary certificate, but that is the responsibility of the Sellier. That costs them something and they will probably pass that cost on to you.

However – seeds are not nursery plants so probably seeds don’t fall under that requirement.

Seeds for propagation still fall under APHIS and there could be issues. That’s why research on other US buyers’ experiences with this seller is needed.

[iris lilies]

Seeds for propagation still fall under APHIS and there could be issues. That’s why research on other US buyers’ experiences with this seller is needed.

I only speculate that seeds are not subject to this, but of course that’s just speculation but my reason is this: New Zealand has an absolute ban on nursery plants coming from other countries. There is no health certification one can obtain to get plants into New Zealand, it’s a blanket NO.

Seeds are not subject to that same restriction.

As you can imagine, that reduces the genetic diversity in their plants and then the world of Iris hybrids for instance, it’s a real handicap in my opinion.

[pinkytoe]

Thanks Tradd for the clarification. For some reason, many of the more rare seeds like rock garden or alpine seeds can't be found in the US. Yet UK and Canada have all of them - doesn't make sense.

[Tybee]

Have you looked on Etsy? I've had a lot of luck with rare seeds there.

[Tradd]

Thanks Tradd for the clarification. For some reason, many of the more rare seeds like rock garden or alpine seeds can't be found in the US. Yet UK and Canada have all of them - doesn't make sense.

I have food imports from India that are seeds for eating. Phyto certs are needed. Yes, some countries get more scrutiny than others, but APHIS is always asking if the seeds are for eating or propagation.

[littlebittybobby]

okay---what kind of "flower seeds" are we talking about, here? ha. The one to grow wacky weed? Just curious.

[pinkytoe]

Have you looked on Etsy?

No wacky weeds - not my cup o tea
My experience with ordering seeds from Etsy has been mixed. Sometimes germination is poor or it takes a month to receive for some reason. My best seeds have come from swaps and those are free.