A notice to our customers living in the USA about the importance of a 'Small Lot of Seed Permit' issued by USDA/APHIS to import seed from outside the USA safely and without the risk of seizure.

Please note: Because of potential seizure, all orders not having an Import Permit or Phytosanitary Certificate (see information and links below) will be cancelled and payment refunded.

The Import Permit is free, valid for three years, and is good for multiple shipments. The maximum number of seed packets per order is 50, where each packet cannot contain more than 50 seeds or weigh more than 10 grams (0.37 ounces). The mode of proper cleaning and packaging is up to the seed provider, but we've always followed proper packaging and labeling guidelines so this is not a problem.

For restrictions which include species considered to be noxious, weed or listed under CITES,  you have to check for specific restrictions in your State. For information to obtain an Import Permit, check out the USDA website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/smalllots_seed.shtml.

Use form PPQ Form 587, the Application for Permit to Import Plants or Plant Products.  For CITES listed or other protected species you also need to fill out PPQ Form 621.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/downloads/forms/ppqform587.pdf
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/permits/downloads/forms/ppqform621.pdf

On the first line of Section 3 on Form 587 application, write “SMALL LOTS OF SEED PROGRAM”. Starting on the second line, list the seed species and countries from which you want to ship each species. If your species list is long, you may enter “eligible taxa”. By using this option, you accept responsibility for determining the eligibility of the seeds. The Permit Unit cannot tell you if the species are eligible for importation if you do not list them. A permit is issued for taxa that are admissible with no restrictions beyond the port of entry inspection. The excellent folks at the North American Rock Garden Society took pains to compile this restricted species list. Visit: www.nargs.org/RestrictedSeed/ They have also posted some excellent information on obtaining and using small seed lot permits.

If port of entry inspectors find prohibited or restricted seeds in your shipment, they will seize and destroy the ineligible kinds if you don't have the correct additional permits. For the 'Port of Entry' question, print 'Seattle/SeaTac'.  Its the closest USDA Plant Inspection Station to Eagleridge Seeds.  Their full address is:

USDA, APHIS, PPQ
Plant Inspection Station
835 South 192nd Street, Suite 1600
SeaTac, WA  98148-2394
Toll Free 1-877-770-5990

We highly recommend you consider a USDA inspection center other than the main office in Jamaica, New York which can be over whelmed with inspections of priority bare root plants.  A smaller, 'quieter' office may be more prompt in their seed inspections and help the process move at a good pace.  A brochure can be downloaded for more information about inspections and a listing of USDA inspection center locations:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_imports/plant_inspection_stations.shtml
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/PlantInspectionStations2007.pdf

An investment of a brief phone call to the office closest to you can thwart an unforeseen, unexpected extended wait.

The current person in charge of issuing permits in the SLSP program is a very busy Carolyn Fitzgerld who can be reached at 301-734-8447 if you have any burning questions. Send your completed permit application by fax to (310) 734-5786 or mail it to:

Carolyn Fitzgerald
USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Permit Unit
4700 River Road, Unit 133
Riverdale, MD 20737-1236

You can scan your completed form and email your permit with a forwarding note such as preferred USDA Inspection Station to:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
If you feel secure giving personal information online:
https://epermits.aphis.usda.gov/epermits.

In general, the steps one must perform are the following: 
(a) You, a US citizen, will obtain an USDA Small Lots of Seed Permit;
(b) You will then send a photocopy of your Permit and one (or more) of your green/yellow labels.  These come already printed with the address to an US Inspection Station, plus one of your own self addressed label(s).  Then send this paperwork to us at:

Eagleridge Seeds
Marsha Goldberg   
219 Eagle Ridge Drive
Salt Spring Island
British Columbia
V8K 2L1
Canada
Tel. 250.537.5677

(c) we will then send the seeds, packed and labeled as required to the Inspection Station indicated on your permit;
(d) The seeds will be checked at the Inspection Station, and they will use your self-addressed label and forward your seeds to you!

If you are having problems with creating an account to obtain a permit, contact your USDA Service Center by browsing http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov. This site helps you find your nearest Service Center along with contact information and map directions or to arrange an appointment for a USDA representative come to your home to fill out the paperwork.