seeds confiscated

[bob rahauser]

I bought seeds from rarepalmseeds.com What is the best way to get in touch with someone by email. 

[Little Tex]

+49-89-1577902 is the number

this is where to contact them

[BeyondTheGarden]

Customs has been a total PITA lately.  I've had 3 shipments confiscated.  The ones that didn't get confiscated didn't contain the word "seed" anywhere on the package.  

[A. Cubiñá]

Same thing happened to me, even though I had a phyto.  I don't think Customs even opened the outer sleeve to check the paper work.

 

[nduba]

Mine were opened by customs but I ws lucky I received them.

[Fallen Munk]

20 hours ago, Jesse PNW said:

Customs has been a total PITA lately.  I've had 3 shipments confiscated.  The ones that didn't get confiscated didn't contain the word "seed" anywhere on the package.  

The permit for small seed shipments through the USDA is free.  I just did one for trachy seeds from the UK to the USA.  And it only took about a day for the approval.

[amh]

26 minutes ago, Fallen Munk said:

The permit for small seed shipments through the USDA is free.  I just did one for trachy seeds from the UK to the USA.  And it only took about a day for the approval.

Link(s)?

[Fallen Munk]

52 minutes ago, amh said:

Link(s)?

I don't normally jump through hoops on command like a trained dog when you can just use google.  But here you go: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/permits/plants-and-plant-products-permits/plants-for-planting/!ut/p/z1/fUxBDoIwELzzCi8ezUI0qEeCRkTjGXppVqxSLS20xejvbZBELriH2ZmdmQXiTSaeG8gccbSHsQ1E4pPf0HIlUUAGOQnpKYh3_moRHHfbTeBHyXp_SJahH6dzSLvirz8EIP-7Wd_t4yMLcn5vGhIBKZS07GUhw7rkhnZSWir4WaN-T32DVLWaXlXRmk7VAp1fMhS27A68qpW2X4_pitthrketLm0xNIz7qL-Uy5u7VyjETChrZoaxC9QPkn8A2fIj0w!!/

[Fallen Munk]

1 hour ago, amh said:

Link(s)?

Seeds and paperwork in photo.  Apply for permit online, they approve it and send a pdf which you email to your shipper to print.  Then you are legit and don't have to worry about losing your seeds and money.  The shipper is not liable when it gets seized at customs, you are just out, so do it right.

[jimmyt]

@Fallen Munk   I agree.   Get the permit from USDA/APHIS,  submit paperwork to the seller, and they send the seed/plants to USDA inspection location.  If done per instructions there will be no confiscation of seed or plants.  I have never had seed or plant products seized using the permit.  It is Free. 

[bob rahauser]

I am not happy rarepalmseeds is selling seeds and not shipping properly. Going to call bank and file a claim. 

 

[Darold Petty]

On 4/26/2022 at 7:52 PM, jimmyt said:

@Fallen Munk   I agree.   Get the permit from USDA/APHIS,  submit paperwork to the seller, and they send the seed/plants to USDA inspection location.  If done per instructions there will be no confiscation of seed or plants.  I have never had seed or plant products seized using the permit.  It is Free. 

My Aphis 587 permit seed shipment was confiscated and destroyed for two reasons having nothing to do with sanitation.  The sender "wrote my name on the exterior of the package", adjacent to the yellow and green USDA label, and the "contents did not include a bill of sale", even though it was labeled as a gift.

I am done with the USDA, even though previously  I had successfully imported seeds several times.    

 

 

[Fallen Munk]

12 hours ago, bob rahauser said:

I am not happy rarepalmseeds is selling seeds and not shipping properly. Going to call bank and file a claim. 

 

If you are the importer you have some responsibility.  They have all the requirements listed at their site: https://www.rarepalmseeds.com/import  If you choose not to follow the rules,  they will still ship to you, but at your liability.  I've mostly been lucky, but lately I get the permit because it's free.  

[teddytn]

Hmm we’ll see how this goes then. I’ve ordered and received seeds from rps in the past. Just placed an order for a few thousand seeds. Got the aphis 587 and labels and emailed them. Hope this makes it to my door. Not even concerned about the money, just would hate to know harmless palm seeds got tossed over some BS check the box crap.

[Scott W]

On 4/28/2022 at 3:00 PM, Fallen Munk said:

If you are the importer you have some responsibility.  They have all the requirements listed at their site: https://www.rarepalmseeds.com/import  If you choose not to follow the rules,  they will still ship to you, but at your liability.  I've mostly been lucky, but lately I get the permit because it's free.  

Yes, you are correct, but that link is obscure and to be honest when I talked to them I asked that perhaps they change it to make it more prominent or perhaps even in their order confirmation email take the time to ask the purchaser to complete this before shipping.  

Obviously they have not otherwise this thread would not have been generated.

Thankfully for me I've moved in a different direction for obtaining my palm and cycad seeds....

[8BPalms]

On 4/28/2022 at 8:29 PM, teddytn said:

 

 

Edited May 7, 2022 by 8BPalms

[8BPalms]

On 4/28/2022 at 8:29 PM, teddytn said:

Hmm we’ll see how this goes then. I’ve ordered and received seeds from rps in the past. Just placed an order for a few thousand seeds. Got the aphis 587 and labels and emailed them. Hope this makes it to my door. Not even concerned about the money, just would hate to know harmless palm seeds got tossed over some BS check the box crap.

Can you update on how it goes? 

I have an order on hold for about 500 seeds, that's been on hold while I got my 587 permit. Been kind of reluctant after reading these posts about following through with rps, even with having the proper permit and phyto. Since somebody mentioned rps writing information on the wrong part of the package and thus losing it..!?

Can anybody in FL verify if their packages coming into this state, especially from rps, using the aphis 587 or other proper permits, have gone through successfully lately (or not!)?

So that I may make a wise decision

Edited May 7, 2022 by 8BPalms

[8BPalms]

On 4/26/2022 at 9:52 PM, jimmyt said:

@Fallen Munk   I agree.   Get the permit from USDA/APHIS,  submit paperwork to the seller, and they send the seed/plants to USDA inspection location.  If done per instructions there will be no confiscation of seed or plants.  I have never had seed or plant products seized using the permit.  It is Free. 

Once it passes the usda inspection location does it get sent to your address?

[Darold Petty]

8 hours ago, 8BPalms said:

 Since somebody mentioned rps writing information on the wrong part of the package and thus losing it..!?

 

That was me and the source was not RPS

  The APHIS 587 permit comes with an instructions page.  This must be followed exactly.

  When I flew home from Argentina the flight landed in Texas.  It is the USDA responsibility to transfer the seeds to the nearest inspection facility from one's airport of arrival. 

(They would not transfer my seeds to the inspection facility near my home. )

After the seeds pass inspection it is the recipient's responsibility to pay for transport, I went to the UPS store, prepaid for an estimated weight of the package, and then faxed the label image to the inspection facility in Texas.

[Darold Petty]

Also, the front line inspectors at your airport of arrival are often unfamiliar with these conditions, and will spend a lot of time trying to figure out what to do.  This can be a problem if you have a connecting flight to your final destination.

[teddytn]

On 5/6/2022 at 11:41 PM, 8BPalms said:

Can you update on how it goes? 

I have an order on hold for about 500 seeds, that's been on hold while I got my 587 permit. Been kind of reluctant after reading these posts about following through with rps, even with having the proper permit and phyto. Since somebody mentioned rps writing information on the wrong part of the package and thus losing it..!?

Can anybody in FL verify if their packages coming into this state, especially from rps, using the aphis 587 or other proper permits, have gone through successfully lately (or not!)?

So that I may make a wise decision

Got a reply email from rps stating they received my permit and labels a few weeks ago. I don’t think they’ve shipped yet, haven’t seen an email with shipping info anyway. All I’ve got for now 

[IHB1979]

I ordered in March and received my seeds in April, took about 4 weeks. I used the PPQ-587 - "plants for propagating" permit and provided the green/yellow USDA shipping labels. 

One common mistake is providing RPS with your shipping address when ordering. The seeds have to be shipped directly to one of the USDA plant inspection stations. You cannot have your shipping address on the outside of the package along with the green/yellow USDA labels. 

 

 

 

 

[teddytn]

On 5/14/2022 at 8:18 PM, teddytn said:

Got a reply email from rps stating they received my permit and labels a few weeks ago. I don’t think they’ve shipped yet, haven’t seen an email with shipping info anyway. All I’ve got for now 

Just got a shipped email, and tracking numbers. Whether anyone cares I’ll follow this through and let ya know what happens

[kinzyjr]

On 5/21/2022 at 2:12 PM, teddytn said:

Just got a shipped email, and tracking numbers. Whether anyone cares I’ll follow this through and let ya know what happens

I care.    Just did a small order myself to try out the process.  Thank you to all of the posters for your insights. 

[teddytn]

On 5/21/2022 at 1:12 PM, teddytn said:

Just got a shipped email, and tracking numbers. Whether anyone cares I’ll follow this through and let ya know what happens

Making some progress. I’ve got small packets of seeds in the past, little different this time, should be a box full. 

[Frond-friend42]

I guess my seeds are stopping off in Miami on their way to me. This is very weird and very annoying.

[aztropic]

4 minutes ago, Frond-friend42 said:

I guess my seeds are stopping off in Miami on their way to me. This is very weird and very annoying.

 

 

aztropic

Mesa, Arizona

[elandybarr]

On 4/28/2022 at 9:01 PM, Darold Petty said:

I am done with the USDA, even though previously  I had successfully imported seeds several times.    

I felt this way too after getting some things confiscated and trying to do things right. Now I have a $600 fine, and every time I come back to the US I get a very thorough inspection.

[Johnny Palmseed]

2 hours ago, elandybarr said:

I felt this way too after getting some things confiscated and trying to do things right. Now I have a $600 fine, and every time I come back to the US I get a very thorough inspection.

OUCH! 

[teddytn]

On 5/31/2022 at 7:34 AM, teddytn said:

Making some progress. I’ve got small packets of seeds in the past, little different this time, should be a box full. 

June 1st the tracking updated to inbound/ being processed by customs. All seems normal so far, if it drags out into July that may be a different story

[amh]

Every seed order I make from abroad goes through the Chicago USDA facility, but the packages are never opened.

[Scott W]

7 hours ago, teddytn said:

June 1st the tracking updated to inbound/ being processed by customs. All seems normal so far, if it drags out into July that may be a different story

 

My order from RPS that shipped in May 2020 (that I never received) said the same thing for months, only it was Miami.  After dealing with DHL, USPS and Customs and lack of email response from RPS I finally called them.  Heidi was very understanding and they sent a replacement shipment after I had all the proper documentation from the USDA and that next shipment was shipped May 14 2021, cleared and received at my doorstep in 18 days on June 2.

Hoping you receive your order soon.

[teddytn]

3 hours ago, Scott W said:

 

My order from RPS that shipped in May 2020 (that I never received) said the same thing for months, only it was Miami.  After dealing with DHL, USPS and Customs and lack of email response from RPS I finally called them.  Heidi was very understanding and they sent a replacement shipment after I had all the proper documentation from the USDA and that next shipment was shipped May 14 2021, cleared and received at my doorstep in 18 days on June 2.

Hoping you receive your order soon.

I hope the same clearly lol. I did all the correct steps this time, so here’s hoping. A few years back I ordered a small amount of seeds from rps and definitely did not get a permit, labels anything and they showed up. To me the money isn’t the thing that would bother me, more the wasted time and the thought of good seeds getting tossed in the trash. 

[palmne3rd]

On 5/6/2022 at 11:41 PM, 8BPalms said:

Can you update on how it goes? 

I have an order on hold for about 500 seeds, that's been on hold while I got my 587 permit. Been kind of reluctant after reading these posts about following through with rps, even with having the proper permit and phyto. Since somebody mentioned rps writing information on the wrong part of the package and thus losing it..!?

Can anybody in FL verify if their packages coming into this state, especially from rps, using the aphis 587 or other proper permits, have gone through successfully lately (or not!)?

So that I may make a wise decision

I ordered from rps in March '22 using aphis and received the order in Florida by May '22.   I know there are bottlenecks in the system but rps was a pleasure to work with and very informative during the process.  I don't anticipate you'll have a problem if you followed directions.  Cheers!

[8BPalms]

On 6/14/2022 at 8:17 PM, palmne3rd said:

I ordered from rps in March '22 using aphis and received the order in Florida by May '22.   I know there are bottlenecks in the system but rps was a pleasure to work with and very informative during the process.  I don't anticipate you'll have a problem if you followed directions.  Cheers!

Nice! Now I must ask, will the seeds be okay in transit this time of year in route to Florida, given the high heat??

[nduba]

Personally I hv ordered fm rps but I hvnt had any success but every situation is different.

[Miami_grower]

I have had my permit since 2015. I have never had a problem using the permit with seeds ordered from Thailand or RPS.

In one instance, from Thailand,  3000 C. Renda seeds were shipped with the proper labeling (green/yellow label) on the box's outside and proper paperwork inside.  I always add a prepaid label (USPS priority mail, USPS account web page) to the inside paperwork. The sender, however, added my mailing address label to the reverse side of the box. Tracking showed the box went Thai postal,  landed in NYC, and then to the PO. The next day the sealed, unopened package was in my Florida mailbox. Go figure.

I note USDA (1) personnel at their permitting support desk have always been helpful and (2) the internet-based permitting system is wonderful(you can add a country, species, or type(seed/plant/etc. by submitting an online form, with a response in a couple'a hours.  Having a single label number is great.

Also note that I always try to avoid DHL. The hand-offs and pick-ups with customs/inspection is rarely only a two-day affair. In one instance, after landing and sitting around in Miami,  a box of hoyas sat a day before being inspected, then another after. On Friday at 19:00 or so, the package was picked up, out for delivery (I am 160 mile north) . That weekend no tracking updates appeared, so I fear the plants spent 30-45 degree overnights in the van. The package arrived with out anything more than tracking showing "delivered" on Monday afternoon.  DOA, RIP

 

Edited June 20, 2022 by Miami_grower
clarity

[kinzyjr]

On 5/30/2022 at 11:09 PM, kinzyjr said:

I care.    Just did a small order myself to try out the process.  Thank you to all of the posters for your insights. 

Follow up:

My order was officially received by RPS on May 31st.  We had a short email correspondence to ensure I was aware of and had taken into account all of the necessary permits, etc.  My order shipped on June 22^nd.

I received a call Thursday, June 30th, from the USDA near Orlando International (KMCO) stating they had a package of seeds from Germany for me.  They asked if I would like for them to ship them or if I wanted to pick them up.  I advised them I would pick them up Friday.  Shipment looks good.

Thank you to all of the posters for providing the information necessary to make it a success.

[Frond-friend42]

6 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

Follow up:

My order was officially received by RPS on May 31st.  We had a short email correspondence to ensure I was aware of and had taken into account all of the necessary permits, etc.  My order shipped on June 22^nd.

I received a call Thursday, June 30th, from the USDA near Orlando International (KMCO) stating they had a package of seeds from Germany for me.  They asked if I would like for them to ship them or if I wanted to pick them up.  I advised them I would pick them up Friday.  Shipment looks good.

Thank you to all of the posters for providing the information necessary to make it a success.

Kinzyr-- Glad you are doing well with this and you got your seeds.

I have a couple of questions. I understand as part of the new drawn out process I am supposed to send the port of arrive a shipping list or one of a list of documents which Tobias emailed to me "within 24 hours prior to arrival". How am I to know when that will be?

Also, is it customary for USDA to call you up to let you know when you package arrives and negotiate the final leg of the trip? I'm worried something will go wrong and I'll miss and important window and they'll just toss it or something. 

I have an order that is just recently in transit.

Thanks,

Ben

[kinzyjr]

6 minutes ago, Frond-friend42 said:

Kinzyr-- Glad you are doing well with this and you got your seeds.

I have a couple of questions. I understand as part of the new drawn out process I am supposed to send the port of arrive a shipping list or one of a list of documents which Tobias emailed to me "within 24 hours prior to arrival". How am I to know when that will be?

Also, is it customary for USDA to call you up to let you know when you package arrives and negotiate the final leg of the trip? I'm worried something will go wrong and I'll miss and important window and they'll just toss it or something. 

I have an order that is just recently in transit.

Thanks,

Ben

When I did this, the list was part of the permit process.  I added a few species I may order at a later date to the permit just in case.  After getting the permits and downloading the labels for the port of arrival, I sent those to RPS.  They responded to advise me to make sure I've taken care of everything the USDA requires.  I advised that the permits and labels should be all that was required.  When my order shipped, RPS sent me a packing list I could submit to USDA, but I didn't forward it to anyone.  Maybe I'm lucky to get the seeds?

This is currently an experiment with one trial.  I honestly didn't expect to see a phone call from the USDA.  I was happy they did though since I wanted to get these seeds started promptly.

When did your order leave from RPS?