1. Do I need a Permit?
  2. How do I get a Permit?
  3. How much does it cost?
  4. How long does it last?
  5. How many seeds can I import with a Permit?
  6. Do I need a separate Permit for each packet of seeds I import to the US?
  7. Do I need a separate Permit for each type of seeds I import?
  8. Can I import more than one lot of seeds with a Permit?
  9. Do I need a separate Permit for each country I want to import seeds from?
10. How do I know which seeds are not allowed into the US?
11. Why do I get special mailing labels with my Permit?
12. What happens to my seeds at the Inspection Station?
13. Will I have to pay for the seeds to be inspected?
14. How many labels will I get?
15. What do I do with the labels?
16. What do I do with the Permit?
17. What do I have to send to the person outside the US when I am exchanging seeds?
18. What does the person sending seeds to the US have to do?
19. Can someone send me seeds still in berries or fruit?
20. Do the seeds have to be packed in any particular way?
21. Can the sender put the label inside the packet with the seeds?
22. Does the sender have to use a sticky label, or can they write the name directly on the packet?
23. Can the sender just list the seeds and give the packets a number, to save writing the names and other details on every packet?
24. Will the new system cost me more?
25. Can the person outside the US send extra packets of seeds?
26. Can I use the Permit to bring back seeds from another country myself?
27. Can I use the Permit to order seeds from seed suppliers outside the US?
28. What happens if I don't get a Permit?
29. What happens if I try and import seeds that are not allowed under the Small Lots of Seed Program?

1. Do I need a Permit?
Yes - a Small Lots of Seed Permit is required to import small lots of seed into the US under the Small Lots of Seed Program. If you want to import large quantities, or seeds subject to any special requirements, you will need a Phytosanitary Certificate.

2. How do I get a Permit?
You can apply for a permit by post by filling in Form PPQ 587. The form and instructions for filling it in are on the APHIS website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/permits/plantproducts/howtoapply.html. You can also get an E-Permit online.

3. How much does it cost?
Nothing - the new Permit is free at present, although there may be a charge in the future.

4. How long does it last?
A Permit is valid for 3 years.

5. How many seeds can I import with a Permit?
You can import up to 50 packets each containing up to 50 seeds (or 10g) as often as you like during the 3 years the Permit is valid.

6. Do I need a separate Permit for each packet of seeds I import to the US?
No - You can import up to 50 packets of seed at a time.

7. Do I need a separate Permit for each type of seeds I import?
No - but you can only import the type of seeds named on the Permit. If you want to bring in different types of seeds at different times, you should write "eligible taxa" on the Application Form. Your Permit will then allow you to import any seeds which are not prohibited, but it is your responsibility to make sure that all the seeds you bring in to the US are eligible.

8. Can I import more than one lot of seeds with a Permit?
Yes - you can import as many lots of seed as you like during the three years the Permit lasts, provided each lot is the type specified in the Permit, and complies with the rules about packing and labelling.

9. Do I need a separate Permit for each country I want to import seeds from?
No - a Small Lots of Seed Permit is valid for the import of seeds from any country, provided they are not prohibited. The country of origin must be specified on each packet of seeds you import and on the list that accompanies them.

10. How do I know which seeds are not allowed into the US?
You must not import genetically modified plants, noxious weeds, parasitic plants or endangered species. There's more information and links on the APHIS website. If you are not sure whether seeds you want to bring into the US are allowed, contact APHIS and ask them.

11. Why do I get special mailing labels with my Permit?
The mailing labels are already printed with the name and address of the Inspection Station where your seeds will be inspected. They are bright yellow and green so that they can easily be sorted out in the postal system.

12. What happens to my seeds at the Inspection Station?
Your Permit will be checked to make sure that you are allowed to import the seeds in the package. The seeds will be examined to make sure they do not contain anything except the seeds. The packets must not contain any pesticide, pests, chaff, paper, or other unauthorised substance. After inspection, the package will be resealed, and returned to the postal system to send the seeds on to you.

13. Will I have to pay for the seeds to be inspected?
No - there is no charge for the inspection.

14. How many labels will I get?
You will automatically get a sheet of 8 labels with your Permit. If you need more, fax a request, giving your Permit Number, to (301) 734-5786.

15. What do I do with the labels?
You send one label to the person who is sending you seeds. They must stick the label on the outside of the package so that it goes first to the USDA Inspection Station. They should NOT send the seeds to you directly.

16. What do I do with the Permit?
Keep it safely. It is your proof that you have permission to import seeds. When you have arranged to import some seeds, send a photocopy of your Permit to the person who has the seeds.

17. What do I have to send to the person outside the US when I am exchanging seeds?
The person in the US should send the person outside the US:

• The seeds you have agreed to exchange
• A copy of your Import Permit
• A green and yellow label addressed to the Inspection Station
• A label with your own name and address
• You should also make sure that the person you are exchanging seeds with knows what they have to do to make sure the seeds get to you safely (See FAQ 18).

18. What does the person sending seeds to the US have to do?
The person sending seeds to a person in the US needs to make sure the seeds are packed and labelled in accordance with the rules:

• The package must include a copy of the Permit
• They must be the type of seeds specified on the Permit ("eligible taxa" means any seeds which are not prohibited)
• Each packet of seeds must contain only one type of seed
• Each packet of seeds must be labelled with the correct botanical (Latin) name
• Each packet of seeds must contain no more than 50 seeds (or 10g)
• Each packet of seeds must have the name of the sender written on it
• Each packet of seeds must have the country of origin written on it
• Each packet of seeds must be securely sealed to prevent seeds leaking out
• The package must include a list of all the seeds enclosed, in alphabetical order of their botanical name, the name and address of the sender, and the country of origin of the seeds
• There must be no more than 50 packets of seed in the package
• The package must include a label addressed to the importer in the US
• The package must be sent to the Inspection Station using the green and yellow label supplied

19. Can someone send me seeds still in berries or fruit?
No - you can only import seeds, not any other part of a plant (which includes seed pods, fruit and berries). The seeds must be cleaned, and there must not be anything else in the packet.

20. Do the seeds have to be packed in any particular way?
APHIS would prefer you to use small resealable plastic bags, so that they can inspect the seeds more easily (and quickly), but you can use any sort of envelope, provided it is securely sealed and properly labelled. If you use plastic bags, make sure the seeds are completely dry, otherwise they may rot.

21. Can the sender put the label inside the packet with the seeds?
No - the packet of seeds must only contain cleaned seeds, so the label must be stuck on the outside.

22. Does the sender have to use a sticky label, or can they write the name directly on the packet?
You can label the seeds in any way that identifies them. You can use a sticky label, or write the name on using a pen or felt tip that is permanent. Do not use pencil or water-soluble ink.

23. Can the sender just list the seeds and give the packets a number, to save writing the names and other details on every packet?
Yes - you can give each type of seeds on your list a number, and label each packet of seeds with the appropriate number so that they can be identified.

24. Will the new system cost me more?
No - If you send the copy of the Permit and labels with your seeds, you won't pay anything extra. Your overseas trader will then send their seeds to you when they receive your seeds and the documents. If you prefer to send the copy of the Permit and labels to your overseas trader before sending your seeds, you will need to pay the cost of another stamp.

25. Can the person outside the US send extra packets of seeds?
Yes - any seeds can be sent into the US with the Permit, provided that they comply with the requirements, i.e. that they are not prohibited species, that they are properly labelled and listed, and that the total number of packets is not more than 50. It is up to the exporter to make sure that any seeds they send under the scheme are eligible.

26. Can I use the Permit to bring back seeds from another country myself?
No - the new system only applies to seeds sent to an Inspection Station from outside the US. You can mail the seeds from another country to the Inspection Station (with a copy of the Permit and a label addressed to yourself), following the rules about labelling and packing outlined in FAQ 18.

If you personally carry in seeds which would be eligible under the Small Lots of Seed Program, they must be packed and labelled in accordance with the procedure, in a package addressed to the USDA Inspection Station. You must declare them and hand them to US Customs and Border Protection, who will forward the package to the Inspection Station to be inspected in accordance with the rules of the Small Lots of Seed Program, and then forwarded to you. This might take longer than sending the seeds from outside the US.

27. Can I use the Permit to order seeds from seed suppliers outside the US?
Yes - send a copy of the Permit and the green and yellow label with your order. The Invoice from the supplier should include all the necessary information. Make sure they know that they must send the seeds to the Inspection Station, NOT to you.

28. What happens if I don't get a Permit?
Any seeds not accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate (in the case of large quantities) or an Import Permit under the Small Lots of Seed rules, or any seeds incorrectly labelled or packed, may be removed and destroyed.

29. What happens if I try and import seeds that are not allowed under the Small Lots of Seed Program?
If you try and import seeds that are not allowed into the US under the Small Lots of Seed Program, they will be removed and destroyed, or the whole package may be destroyed. If USDA find that you consistently try and import seeds that are not allowed, your Permit may be revoked, and you may be prosecuted.

There is a checklist list of the requirements for packing, labelling and sending seed which it might be useful for the importer (in the US) to send to the exporter (outside the US) here, and a suitable form to list seeds being sent into the US here.

These FAQs are intended for information and practical advice only. If you have any doubts about any of the rules or procedures of the Import of Small Lots of Seed Program, you should check with APHIS yourself.