What's new
TerraForums Venus Flytrap, Nepenthes, Drosera and more talk

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Shipping regulations to Singapore and Taiwan

I have received several offers, one is from Singapore and the other is from Taiwan. I live in CA. Does anyone know anything about shipping regulations? Do you know where I can find information concerning this?


I will be shipping D. Dichotoma seeds.

I have read that Singapore requires nothing special, but want to check.

THANKS!
 
So...I need to fill that out?
 
Hi SDCPS,

Singapore requires a phytosanitary cert for all seeds. The CITES is compulsory only if the species is listed.
 
I'm not sure if you or the importer fills out that form. I'd imagine a copy has to accompany your shipment either way. Shipments have to go through the port on entries listed on the form and the Singapore government website.

Phytosanitary Cert:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/ecs/index.shtml

Cost is $50.00, $15.00 per replacement or revision. As of Oct 1, 2009 there is a $3 service charge if you order copies of the certificate from the web. You still have to meet the requirements and possible inspection by your nearest Export Certification Specialist.

CITES permit from Federal Fish and Wildlife will cost $100 for single shipment ($50 personal/household). I personal/household is only if you are moving overseas and shipping you personal stuff over. Only needed with CITES species.

http://www.fws.gov/permits/importexport/importexport.shtml
http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-32.pdf

Taiwan is probably the same although each country will have different regulations.

Now you know why most people don't deal with out-of-country trades?

If you're receiving seeds you need a small seed lot import permit. Jimscott and a few others can tell you about that.
 
Thanks friends.

I have heard from my correspondents, and they say that no paperwork is required...hmmm. But Cidny, you said that I need a phytocanitarty cert? Can I call and get one? Oh my.

Anyway, do I need a PERMIT to get seeds from them? You mentioned something about that Not a number.

I found this on the subject of importing. It seems to help. Permit is free:

http://theseedsite.co.uk/aphis.html

Here is on permits:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/plants_for_planting.shtml

I need a permit if I import: Small lots of seed imported without a phytosanitary certificate.

So I need one--I think, unless the senders send phytosanitary certificates.

Here is the application. I just don't see how I need to do all this, but: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/permits/eauth_epermits.shtml

Could someone tell me...do I REALLY need to get the permit? I'm not importing any noxious weeds or horrible things.

So please tell me. What do I need to do. Some examples please. (if this is too complicated...forget it) I need to sign up for the account and get a permit, then I need to take my seeds to someone and get certification? Can a minor sign up for an account. I'm only 15...not worth it...impossible?

Thanks for your pacience...not a number especially.
 
Yes you should have permits, as well as the sending party AFAIK.
ive received seeds from other countries without the permits, but if it gets caught, they might get destroyed.
 
Would any penalties be levied on the senders if someone sends without the permits and gets caught?
 
i believe they can fine you....
i dont remember what the plant material was, but someone got like...a 10k fine or something for importing plants without permits....
 
  • #10
Even seeds? My, then it might not be worth it...unless the trade is REALLY good.
 
  • #11
If the US Postal Inspectors inspect mail you are sending or receiving that does not have the proper customs declarations and import/export permits you can be fined up to $10,000 for smuggling.

Singapore I have no ideas what the penalties are, but remember they caned some kid for spitting on a sidewalk.
 
  • #12
But Cidny, you said that I need a phytocanitarty cert? Can I call and get one? Oh my..

The phytosanitary cert should be from your side i.e. from the agri department in the States.

Singapore I have no ideas what the penalties are, but remember they caned some kid for spitting on a sidewalk.

We did?!? All I remembered was that a certain Michael Fay was caned for vandalism. He wasn't a kid since caning is only for age 18 and above. Anyway, the more interesting thing is that chewing gum is banned in Singapore. Actually, gum itself is not banned, chewing of gum is also not banned but the sale of chewing gum is banned. Overseas friends who are not sure of the law but had gum in their pockets would always worry if they are able to clear the customs and enter Singapore! :-))
 
  • #13
Ok. I see why most people trade US only (if they are from the US).

I guess I'll have to tell my correspondents that I can't do it.
 
  • #14
i believe they can fine you....
i dont remember what the plant material was, but someone got like...a 10k fine or something for importing plants without permits....
The person here on the boards that got hit was for $2500 iirc. He wanted to fight it but the lawyer said he'd chew up that much in legal fees & probably still lose in court. Pay up & move on...

I enjoy trading but there's no plant that would make me take that risk. The small seed importation permit is free as is the basic plant importation permit. The last time I used the seed permit (several weeks ago), Aphis inspectors turned the seed around in 1 day. Now if the postal service could ship a small package from Brazil to USA in less than 3 weeks, maybe I could get viable seed... :censor:
Could someone tell me...do I REALLY need to get the permit? I'm not importing any noxious weeds or horrible things.
Ahhh, you say that you're not but how do the authorities confirm that unless it gets inspected? ... & for that you need a small seeds permit. Actually I feel almost everyone should go through the minor bureaucratic nonsense so they have a small seeds permit when the opportunity arises to get some cool seeds. It's also a good experience in negotiating government legalese (on a really small scale)... Once you start playing with CP's, you'll quickly see that most of the seed for 'cool' stuff comes from across one of the 'ponds'....
 
  • #15
Here is what you need to do to send seeds or plants to another country:

dont even try.

seriously..as "just a hobbyist" its just not worth it.
I often drive to Canada..I wont even try to bring a houseplant across the border!
the regulations are insane..

seriously..dont bother..
they can find their own seeds in Singapore,,

Scot
 
  • #16
Thank you all.

Your advice has been taken.
 
Back
Top