SHIPPING PLANTS INTERNATIONALLY

I'd like to know the rules on shipping plants out of the U.S. I hear people are doing it, but when I shipped a small box of plants to a friend in Canada, they were confiscated and Customs sent me a warning. Can someone point me to a link outlining the rules for shipping to Canada and other places? The p.o. says I must fill out a customs form. And I'm also told that in some cases I need that expensive phytosanitary certificate. So those of you with experience, who are doing it "legally", please let me know how you do it. I trade and sell lots of plants. I'd love to be able to open up to the whole world.

I'm looking for REAL info--a link with information--not hearsay, nothing illegal. I know there are some professional growers here. Maybe you guys can enlighten me on the rules and point me to sites with the info.

Thanks!

NancyAnn

hi,
try this

http://pe.usps.gov/text/imm/welcome.htm

carol

All I found there was this info pertaining to plants:

"139.2 Plants
139.21 General Restrictions
Plants, seeds, and plant materials, including fruits and vegetables, are subject to the provisions of DMM C022; Publication 14, Prohibitions and Restrictions on Mailing Animals, Plants, and Related Products; and the quarantine regulations of the country of destination. Customers can obtain information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Programs at:

USDA APHIS PPQ
4700 RIVER RD
RIVERDALE MD 20737-1228"

I guess I can write to them for info. But I will probably just stick with mailing in the U.S. I really don't have time to learn the rules for each country that may want to trade with me. My post office ALWAYS makes me complete a customs declaration form when I mail anything (even a package of seeds) out of the country. Depending on the package, they look up in their little book which color of form I need. It's a bit more of a hassle and more costly to trade outside the country. And I don't want to do anything illegal and end up with a hefty fine over a few plants. So I may just stick with what I know.

Thanks for your help.