Can I receive plant seeds from outside of Canada?

[ca-zhu8]

I bought plant, flower seeds on ebay. But I'm not sure whether Canadian custom would allow the seeds import into Canada. I wonder what would happen if they're not permitted? Do I need to pay a fine?

[dmil8030 · Accepted solution]

Hello 'ca-zhu8',

It may depend on how much you buy.  If you just buy a couple envelopes of seeds

they may simply show up in your mailbox.  If you buy a huge quantity they may be

held up at the border.  It also depends on what kind you buy.  You also want to consider

if it is permissible to grow the plants where you live.  For example, where I live, we are

not allowed to grow thistles.  They exist, they are not illegal, but it's the city bylaws, you see.

Here is a Government of Canada website link that should tell you everything you have

ever wanted to know about seed importation:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/seeds/imports/abcs-of-importation/eng/1347740952226/1347741389113

If you have ordered a few packets of something on Canada's restricted list, if the parcel is spotted by

Customs on its way in, chances are you will never receive it and never hear about it one way or the other.

If you are a gardener, however, - I urge you to spend a few moments snooping through the

above link, at least if you are prone to buy seeds and plants from international vendors.

[afantiques · Accepted solution]

Also watch out for sales of seed that are simply frauds, rainbow roses,etc.  By the time you have grown the plants to flower you are well out of time to complain.

Quite a few flowers don't exist without photoshop, but you will be offered the seeds.