In its effort to assist our customers in the sale of seeds between U.S. and Canada, SeedWise has compiled information from several sources to help navigate our customers through the shipping process. This summary is for reference only and is not intended as legal advice. Customers should not rely solely on the information provided as regulations change periodically, Customers are encouraged to do their own research to ensure the importation of seeds complies with all applicable laws. SeedWise shall not be held responsible for any liability arising from the importation of seeds purchased on SeedWise.com.
In both the United States and Canada, the importer (buyer) is responsible for ensuring all goods imported into their country of residence comply with government import regulations.
Importing Seeds into Canada from the United States
Seed shipped by international mail is received by Canada Post, which presents shipments to the Canada Border Services Agency (‘CBSA”) for inspection. Information regarding Custom Requirements for the importation of seeds by mail can be found under the “Specific Requirements for Controlled Items” section of the Canada Post website.
Canadian Buyers must also comply with regulations administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (“CFIA”) relating to the importation of seeds into Canada, which requires both an Import Declaration Form and Certificate of Analysis for large shipments of seed into Canada.
The CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) is a searchable database on the Agency’s website that you can use to view the import documentation requirements that apply to the plant or plant product you want to import. The CFIA’s ABC’s of the Importation of Seeds into Canada also provides detailed information about the requirements to import seeds into Canada.
Small seed purchase are exempt from CFIA importation requirements as long as the seed is not under quarantine, on the Prohibited Noxious Seed Weed List or otherwise excluded from importation under applicable local, provincial or federal laws. Seed shipments that qualify for this exemption include:
- Lots of herb seed that are 5 kg or less, or for flower seed, tree or shrub seed, true potato seed, ginseng, seeds of aquatic plants or onion/garlic multiplier sets.
- Lots of 5 kg or less for large seeded crop kinds, such as peas, wheat, soybeans and corn. A species ≤ 200 seeds per gram qualifies as a “large seeded species.”
- Lots of 500 g or less for small seeded crop kinds, such as alfalfa, tomato or canola. A species > 200 seeds per gram qualifies as a “small seeded species.”
(This exemption does not apply to wildflower mixtures. Importations of seed lots of wildflower mixtures that are greater than 500 g require an import declaration and a seed analysis certificate).
See Sections Y and Z of the “ABC’s of the Importation of Seeds into Canada” for examples and information relating to the number of seeds per gram for different seed types.
Even if the seeds to be imported are exempt from import documentation requirements, packages must nonetheless be labeled if:
- The seed has been treated with pest control product. If treated, it must be stained with a conspicuous color and must be marked with the precautionary symbol and signal word prescribed by the Pest Control Products Regulations to indicate the nature and degree of risk inherent to the pest control product along with one of the following statements: “Do not use for food or feed. This seed has been treated with (common or chemical name of pest control product)”; or “Ne pas utiliser pour l’alimentation des personnes ou des animaux. Cette semence a été traitée avec (nom commun ou chimique du produit antiparasitaire)”
Please note that there may be additional requirements under Canada’s Pest Control Products Act when importing seed that has been treated with a pest control product.
- Where seed is described on the label as being suitable for shady places, it must contain no less than forty percent (40%) by weight, of Chewing’s fescue, creeping red fescue, or rough bluegrass seed (seed must meet the labeling requirements set out in the Seeds Regulations prior to being sold).
- Additional information regarding Customs Requirements for shipments from the United States to a destination outside of the United States may also be found at the “Customs Forms and Online Shipping Labels” section of the USPS