I've never had any problem, but I may sometime, but it's worth it to be able to trade with the friends I've made in the Netherlands. They are so sweet . So what if we lose a pack of seeds everyonce in a while, it's not gold(well, it is to us) abut it's not like the end of the world.!! There are lots of traders in England and Canada and Germany too. We don't wan to cut them off from trading.
We just need to know that there is a possiblity that it might happen and be as sure as we can to wrap them where they don't move around and dont write "seeds" on the front!
You know, there's some states you aren't supposed to send seeds across the borders. So if we're going to become "seed criminals" lets go out in a big way!! lol
CLOSED: The US Dept of Ag. took the seeds from my trade with Neth.
This message was edited Mar 9, 2008 8:26 PM
VM,
My concern wasn't for the confiscated seeds, it was for the sender, that letter in the envelope said "large fine or jail", and I was afraid for her because of that. I have absolutly no problem trading with anyone from any state or country, I just don't want anyone to go to jail over seeds. I just wanted experienced opinions. I have done quite a few out of country seed exchanges and that was the only time that ever happened. DON'T LET MY EXPERIENCE FRIGHTEN ANYONE FROM TRADING OUT OF the USA. I was just concerned for the sender. I have always been tickled pink by my out of country trades!
I will close this thread now VM, cuz I sure don't want you to lose any trades, lol!
Kathy
I'm sorry guspuppy if I caused any friction. That wasn't my intention. I didn't realize there was a threat of a fine or imprisonment. I certainly wouldn't want to "do time" here in a Costa Rican jail. Imagine if it was somewhere in the Middle East etc., not mentioning any countries! I don't mean to sound prejudiced or bigoted, but let's face it, some countries are extremely severe with their punishments and forget about anything close to a trial! I understand that you wanted people to know about your scary experience and the input was good. I am actually considering starting a business here so I could get an import license and legally import seeds and bulbs that are not available. Even if it was in name only, I would be protected.
Wishing everyone the best with their national and international trading!
vm
VM,
I know the thread is closed, but are you sure it's not legal to import seeds and bulbs to Costa Rica? I am pasting the page from the United States Post Office, and it doesn't say that. (Unless bulbs and seeds are perishable, which I do not believe they are, but maybe I am wrong.)
If I were sending you seeds, I would declare it right on the customs form and not have a worry at all.
Suzy
Here is what it says:
Country Conditions for Mailing — Costa Rica
Prohibitions (130)
Blank invoices.
Coins; banknotes; currency notes; securities payable to bearer; traveler’s checks; manufactured and unmanufactured platinum, gold and silver; precious stones; jewelry; and other valuable articles.
Dual-graduation feeding bottles.
Flammable or explosive substances.
Medical samples containing psychotropic substances.
Perishable infectious biological substances.
Perishable noninfectious biological substances.
Radioactive Materials.
Restrictions
A certificate of disinfection must be enclosed in packages containing used clothing. Senders should endorse the wrapper to show that a certificate of disinfection is enclosed.
Observations
Commercial shipments must be accompanied by a commercial invoice in duplicate. These invoices must be attached to the item or enclosed inside the item.
Marjolein,
Have you gotten my seeds yet? Seems like forever since I sent them.
Kathy
OK, so what should I put on the form?
Are you talking to me, jlp222?
I like to put on there, "Pretty flower seeds from my garden" LOL! I am totally serious.
I once had a fella from Australia tell me not to put that on his customs form any more...the proper thing there is: "Cleaned seed for hobbyist use. No commercial value."
I declare them at $2.00US unless it's a huge box, then I use $20.00US.
Suzy
This message was edited Mar 2, 2008 2:08 AM
Guspuppy,
Don't worry for us to be put in jail for sending seeds. Even for drugs you only get a couple of months or so, if you're extremely unlucky, so sending seeds won't do us much harm. I guess.....
By the way, SENDING seeds is not illegal. So what can they do!
The only thing that they can do is confiscate seeds,I have sent a heap to the U.S. and touch wood they have all made it:)
Ya know, if it's not one thing it's another
This message was edited Mar 6, 2008 12:27 AM
I just got seeds from T myself, and they came fast and without notice and it was prob. so it must be hit and miss. Beurocracy
The seeds coming to me were intercepted a second time. I am going to continue to trade out of the USA, asking that the person outside our country send their seeds here first to see if we can trade. Both of the trades were confiscated entering Chicago, T's seeds didn't come in through there and our trades were fine. Hit and miss, your right. Maybe the Dept. of Ag workers need that chocolate?!! lol No one here is to blame, and it won't stop me from doing what I love.
Kathy
You go, girl!
Tuink lol