Seeds destroyed when importing to the United States

[gordonhogenson]

For U.S.A. members, have you had any seeds destroyed by the USDA import inspectors?

I hadn't had problems previously, except for one year when Papaver somniferum seed was confiscated and destroyed.  But this year, some other seeds were confiscated and destroyed: Erythronium 'Kinfaun's Pink', Lilium 'Aurelian Black Hearts', and Allium 'Millenium'. 

It seems that the names given in the inventory list do matter. I get a notice saying "For restricted genus, species name must be present."  I think it means that for a genus like "Lilium" which has restricted member "Lilium occidentale" (Endangered Species Act), any Lilium that doesn't have a species given (or maybe is listed as a hybrid) might be confiscated. 

I'm not sure if the specific import station matters.  I specified the Seattle station, but I don't know if enforcement or interpretation of the rules differs by import station.

I'm curious what others have experienced.  Have you had seed destroyed?

[Rick R.]

I did receive Aurelian Black Hearts, here in the USA.  I am guessing it was just an oversight: this was the only item without a species name,and it could have just gotten missed in a list of 50 packets in my surplus order.  I also had a main order main order, 25 pkts.  Although both were sent from Scotland on the same day, I received my main order a week and a half after my surplus order.  I haven't had any seeds confiscated to date.

It used to be (and maybe still) that the Australian BICON would allow Lilium hybrids as long as the species derivation was given and those species weren't restricted.  I don't know if this would be sufficient for USA customs? 

[Diane Whitehead]

If they suspect an unspecified species might be endangered, it makes no sense
to destroy the seeds.

[gordonhogenson]

Yes, the seeds of endangered species, if confiscated, should be donated to a botanical garden or something. I have heard that rare animals that are found being smuggled across a border usually end up in zoos.

I suspect the issue is inexperienced inspectors or something like that. If the Aurelian Black Hearts made it through elsewhere, then it seems they're not quite sure what to do with seeds they don't recognize. Hopefully, I don't have any further problems. One never knows.