A faster way to found out would be to go to the post office and ask. You'll have to go there anyway to get the proper forms and postage prices. You might be able to get some information at usps.com also.

-Dan-the-mailman

I've been to the post office. That's how I found out that i can mail seeds overseas. They were less clear on what had to be done to import them. There's no info banning seeds at usps.gov, but there is from the US Dept of Ag. The Ag info is confusing (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml) and USPS doesn't seem to be up on it.

That's why I asked if anyone from a country *other then the US* has successfully shipped a robin in. Thanks!

You are correct that the USPS has nothing to do with seeds being sent INTO the US. That is the domain of US Customs enforcing the regulations set forth by US Dept of Agriculture, as you found. The USPS has no jurisdiction over WHAT is being sent out of the US to other countries (except for shipping of hazardous materials), and is only responsible to enforce that customs forms are completed and the proper postage is paid.

The proper and legal procedure is to apply and pay for the phyto. certificate from Agriculture, and then to have the sender complete a form with your certificate number and attach it to the package, so Customs can turn the package over to Ag. to be inspected before then being shipped on to you. Customs has the right and responsibility to confiscate any package determined to have plant products that are being shipped without the necessary certificate and so notify the recipient.

Each country has its own regulations and restrictions about what can be sent in and out. The US is one of the strictest with its regulations. Usually if you are ordering plant material from a big overseas commercial dealer, they will take care of all the business end for you and you don't even need to get the phyto. certificate.

All that being said, I have had several private individual swaps (not group/round robin) with people in other countries, including Canada, Netherlands, Malaysia and Hungary. I have received all envelopes intact without any inspection. I do not have a certificate, and the senders do not use customs forms or otherwise label the contents as "seeds." I do know other people who have said that their seeds have been confiscated on one or two occasions, but not always. When confiscated, they receive a letter notifying them of that action, but nothing else. So I guess my actions are illegal. You have to make the decision regarding what you will do.

Thanks, Sue! That's the most informative answer I've found! i think that I will not send the swap overseas as i don't want to risk it being confiscated or otherwise not making it back. I can see that for one-on-one swaps it would be worth it not to label it as seeds, but for a big package like a round-robin i think it would be more obvious. Thanks again!

I traded with someone in pakistan, when I labeled them seeds they did not get there but when I just sent them no label they got thru slow but they made it. so I agree with Sue