Seed and international air travel

[bushed]

As requested my experience.

I spread the seeds throughout my checked bag putting different seeds in different items of clothes so I could identify them. i had plenty of loud items in the bag like a metal poster and a bongo drum these items where very visible on the scanner the seeds wasn't I dont know if they would of been if it wasnt for these loud items.

I wore my walking boots as this is a common reason for bio security to ask to see in side your bag to check for mud.

The food beagle appeared to smell the seeds as it seemed interested in my bag, I told the handler that there was loose fruit in the bag on the way to the airport that was eaten before getting on the plane, she was happy with this explanation and didnt want to look in my bag. Security in general seemed more concerned with harrassing the Chinese people coming in on the same flight.

Now that Ive done it once I would do it again although I did not enjoy the experience I became very concerned that I was making a big mistake on the second flight. New Zealand has very strict bio security with the extra bag scan on arrival so I think you would be fine traveling to any country with seeds.

I now have quality genetics to experiment with for the next couple of years, watch this space for my micro-vert set up Ive been experimenting with.

 

[Terroir]

As requested my experience.

I spread the seeds throughout my checked bag putting different seeds in different items of clothes so I could identify them. i had plenty of loud items in the bag like a metal poster and a bongo drum these items where very visible on the scanner the seeds wasn't I dont know if they would of been if it wasnt for these loud items.

I wore my walking boots as this is a common reason for bio security to ask to see in side your bag to check for mud.

The food beagle appeared to smell the seeds as it seemed interested in my bag, I told the handler that there was loose fruit in the bag on the way to the airport that was eaten before getting on the plane, she was happy with this explanation and didnt want to look in my bag. Security in general seemed more concerned with harrassing the Chinese people coming in on the same flight.

Now that Ive done it once I would do it again although I did not enjoy the experience I became very concerned that I was making a big mistake on the second flight. New Zealand has very strict bio security with the extra bag scan on arrival so I think you would be fine traveling to any country with seeds.

I now have quality genetics to experiment with for the next couple of years, watch this space for my micro-vert set up Ive been experimenting with.

Good one man. Your set.

I was thinking about your situation actually. I dont think you would have any problems getting the seeds into hong kong. THe trail mix method would get you through customs there if you had a stop over.
Getting back on the plane would be no issues either as i found HK customs not that concerned. They had funky infared temp scanners to see if you have bird flue etc but last time i was there but that was it.

On your stopover you could prepare them all into latex glove packages and swallow just as you board. If the seeds were not killed by the 36.6 c body temp for 12 hours then you would be home and hosed. I am going to have to try a internal germination test one day (bit gross) but it seems in OZ customs and police are cracking down. It will suck if the cops win.

 

[abellguy]

As requested my experience.

I spread the seeds throughout my checked bag putting different seeds in different items of clothes so I could identify them. i had plenty of loud items in the bag like a metal poster and a bongo drum these items where very visible on the scanner the seeds wasn't I dont know if they would of been if it wasnt for these loud items.

I wore my walking boots as this is a common reason for bio security to ask to see in side your bag to check for mud.

The food beagle appeared to smell the seeds as it seemed interested in my bag, I told the handler that there was loose fruit in the bag on the way to the airport that was eaten before getting on the plane, she was happy with this explanation and didnt want to look in my bag. Security in general seemed more concerned with harrassing the Chinese people coming in on the same flight.

Now that Ive done it once I would do it again although I did not enjoy the experience I became very concerned that I was making a big mistake on the second flight. New Zealand has very strict bio security with the extra bag scan on arrival so I think you would be fine traveling to any country with seeds.

I now have quality genetics to experiment with for the next couple of years, watch this space for my micro-vert set up Ive been experimenting with.

Thank you for posting how it worked out for you. It is good to hear you accomplished your goal with no problems and you're right if you can do that from NZ where security is that hard core you are probably ok anywhere with that method

 

[Tonygreen]

Hope this helps.


MAF Regulations
What you can't bring

As New Zealand is an island nation with a unique ecosystem and a significant economic reliance on agriculture, there are rigorously maintained agriculture regulations to consider when shipping household items.
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All containers landed in New Zealand are checked by MAF (the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries), and the following items will usually be inspected:

Wooden items

Gardening Equipment

Lawn Mowers and Catchers

Foodstuffs

Medicines

Cane furniture

Bicycles

Golf clubs and buggies

Sporting shoes and equipment (there are special guidelines for camping equipment and fishing gear, read them here - also see section 7.4 of the biosecurity guidelines here on how to clean fishing tackle and other aquatic equipment.)
Vacuum cleaners with un-emptied dust bags

Ornaments and curios containing skin or feathers

Christmas decorations (no pinecones!)
Dried flowers and seeds

Equipment/medicines used with horses or other animals

Used Vehicles

In the majority of cases, MAF just requires that the items are clean - in particular, that they are not contaminated by soil, seeds or insect infestations. Inspections typically cost $150 - $300, depending on what is examined - cleaning and fumigation costs are extra.

To save on inspection charges, try to ensure that your boxes are labelled correctly (not for example as "misc"), and be specific - e.g. separate "garden tools" and "DIY tools". Items of possible interest should be packed together where possible. Anything likely to have been outside will also be inspected, such as garden furniture and outdoor toys - make sure they are clean.

You can always get in touch directly with MAF, here , about any items you are not sure about; honesty is absolutely the best policy.

Any of the items listed on this page should be declared on your Passenger Arrival Card and to a biosecurity inspector. If the biosecurity inspector determines that the items are prohibited goods, they may be re-shipped or destroyed.
On arrival you may see MPI Biosecurity Detector Dogs that are specially trained to sniff out risk goods, your bags may also go through an X-ray machine. If any items are found, Biosecurity staff may open your bags for inspection. Make sure that you declare or dispose of any prohibited items before the biosecurity process. Amnesty bins are located throughout airports. Refer to Your Belongings for additional information.
If you are importing goods see the Standards and Regulations, Importing section of this site. Items will need to meet requirements outlined in the appropriate Import Health Standards.
Food

All food items brought into New Zealand, even the smallest amounts, need to be declared. These items include:

• Meat
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Dried mushrooms & fungi
• Honey and honey products
• Seeds for human consumption and processing into food
• Nuts, spices, herbs and un-popped popcorn
• Dried, cooked or preserved fruit and vegetables
• Fresh fruit or vegetables

Import health standards are in place for many food items. The import health standards detail any certification or treatment requirements required for an item prior to import, as well as any requirements on arrival in New Zealand. Some food items only require inspection on arrival; others have no certification or inspection requirements at all.
If you are importing food items, you will need to follow the rules and regulations for Importing. New Zealand Food Safety Authority has additional information on importing Gifts and food for personal consumption .


Plants and plant products

Whether fresh or dried, living or dead, large or small, common or rare, all plant material must be declared. Items may require treatment or an import permit, and some products will not be allowed to be imported at all. Examples of plants and plant products that must be declared include:

• Dried flowers
• Items made of bamboo, cane, rattan, coconut, straw
• Items made of wood, e.g. drums, carvings, spears, masks, utensils or tools
• Pine cones
• Corn and straw souvenirs, including items stuffed with seeds and straw
• Herbal medicines, health supplements and homeopathic remedies

If you intend to bring any of the following items into New Zealand, you must comply with the requirements for Importing Plants. Additional information may be found by clicking on the link for the item you wish to bring into the country.

• Nursery Stock (including whole plants, cuttings, bulbs and tissue cultures)
• Seeds for Sowing
• Seeds for Processing and Human Consumption
• Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage
• Forest and Wood Products
• Fruit and Vegetables
• Plant Products (including dried herbs, nuts and plant extracts)
• Micro-Organisms, Micro-Biologicals and Laboratory Specimens

Live animals


Animal products

Animal products will need to be inspected and may require treatment or permits. Some items will not be allowed into New Zealand. Consult the relevant Import Health Standard of the Importing Animals section of this site.
Animal products include:

• Shells
• Oriental/Chinese medicine
• Animal skin items
• Wooden masks with animal fur or hair
• Wooden drums
• Feathers
• Eggs
• Honey and Honey Products- NOTE: Honey may be permitted from certain Pacific Island nations with suitable accompanying documentation (contact MPI Clearance)
• Second-hand saddles
• Ivory, turtle shell items, clam shells, coral and products made from snakeskin or whalebone. Many of these items are covered by the CITES agreement .

Salt and freshwater products and items associated with water

• Fishing and water activity equipment - When you enter New Zealand you will need to declare all freshwater activity equipment. This includes life vests, dive suits, water vessels and all fishing equipment such as rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and waders. Any non-artificial material for fly tying will need to meet the Import Health Standard for Feathers.
• Sea shells - Many sea shells are allowed into New Zealand but some require documentation under the CITES agreement . These shells include the Queen Conch shell, clam shells and coral.
• Water – for human consumption, religious purposes or laboratory analysis may be imported under the requirements for Soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay, peat and water.
• Ballast water - No ballast water from another country’s waters is to be emptied into New Zealand waters without the permission of an inspector. Please refer to Ballast water from all countries and Guide to New Zealand Ballast Water Control for more information.
• Seaweed and algae – when imported for human consumption, these must meet the entry requirements for Plant Products.
• Micro-organisms - each request to import Micro-Organisms is assessed on a case by case basis.
• Aquarium plants or seeds - must meet the entry requirements for Seeds for Sowing or Nursery Stock.

Non-biological items and miscellaneous products

Other goods imported into New Zealand that could introduce pests, diseases or unwanted organisms. These items must comply with Import Health Standards.
Non-Biological Items

• Containers and Cargo - For specific requirements and information about air and sea freight, see Standards and Regulations, Containers and Cargo

Vehicles and Machinery

• If you are importing a used vehicle, it will need to be inspected for soil, plant material, insects and other contaminants and cleaned if necessary. Any used vehicles not in a container will be inspected on arrival. Vehicles arriving in a container will be inspected at an approved transitional facility.
• You will need to meet the Import Health Standard for used vehicles. This includes any:
  • Cars, vans and utility vehicles
  • Used vehicles
  • Agricultural and forestry machinery
  • Used tyres

If the vehicle is to be used on the road, Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) will inspect the vehicle. LTNZ will record the odometer reading, confirm the identity number and look for any structural damage to ensure it is roadworthy.


Miscellaneous Items

• Soil, rock, gravel, sand, clay, peat and water - Items contaminated with soil must be properly cleaned prior to arrival. Quantities of soil and other non-organic material may be imported specifically for chemical or physical analysis as Laboratory Specimens
• Bulk fertiliser
• Equipment or items associated with animals and water
• Novelty items - Some novelty items contain animal dung that can carry pests and diseases.

Sporting and Camping Equipment

These items must be declared on your Passenger Arrival Card . Items might be inspected on arrival and should be packed in an easily accessible place.

• Tents - Before you enter New Zealand, make sure your tent is clean inside and outside (including underneath the floor). The pegs and poles will also need to be cleaned and free of soil and organic material.
• Footwear - All hiking and sporting footwear should be properly cleaned prior to arrival.
• Camp foods - Any heat-and-eat meals, dehydrated meals and milk powder will need to meet the Import Health Standard for Specified Foods for Human Consumption Containing Animal Products.
• Fishing and Water Activity Equipment - Saltwater fishing equipment is permitted entry.
  All freshwater activity equipment such as life vests, dive suits and water vessels, as well as fishing equipment including rods, reels, tackle boxes, nets and waders should be clean and free of organic residue. See Check, Clean, Dry for instructions on cleaning this equipment. These items must comply with the conditions of the following Import Health Standard.
  Fishing flies are permitted entry but all non-artificial material for fly tying must comply with the conditions of the Import Health Standard for Feathers.

Endangered species

New Zealand is party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) agreement . It covers items such as ivory, turtle shell artifacts, clam shells, coral, products made from snakeskin or whalebone and some Chinese medicines. Plants, animals or products covered by the agreement are not allowed into New Zealand, except with a special permit issued by the Department of Conservation .
Many endangered species are being driven to extinction to make souvenirs. By supporting the CITES agreement and deciding not to buy goods made from endangered species, you can help save these rare plants and animals.
If you want to import a plant species that is new to New Zealand you must apply to the Environmental Risk Management Agency (ERMA).