I see lots of items on Ebay selling seeds from o/s. Are there any restrictions on importing them? What's the possibility of customs seizing the seeds and is there a fine if they do so? I would like to know the experiences of other members please as I would like to try the different hybids of Astrophytums from seed and buying from o/s seems like the only way to get my hands on them.

Vicki you must check the AQIS site to see if they are an allowable import

AQIS Search

I tried that Betty and I keep going round in circles, it finally did my head (and eyes) in that's why I asked here, lol.

It's ok, just found another post in another thread from Trigonus who states they are allowed, yay and thanks.

Importing of mixed hybrids is apparantly illiegal, as it is too hard for Customs to verify that the mixed seeds arent of another species which arent permitted.
Buying different types of seeds seperately but posting them together is fine, if the seeds arent on the ban list.

I recently bought 150 A.Myrio hybrid seeds, and i asked Lewis if it would be ok, he said it wouldnt, but i asked the seller to *Moderated by Hellonasty*, im still waiting for them, so only time will tell wether they were seized or not.

Michael this is a public forum do not incriminate yourself or the board. Hellonasty

Just a reminder to everyone. This is a public forum and can be read by anyone. Please do not incriminate yourself in any way. Sorry to edit your post MichaelCactus but it is in breach of the forum rules.

HN

Oh ok, thanks all, will have to try and sift thru all the jargon on their site.

It's really easy. Say you want Astrophytum capricorne (is permitted I have checked), or any Astrophytum for that matter. Just type in the genus (Astrophytum) and it should just give you a list of permitted species and some information (which is usually pretty techinical etc.) if it's on the safe list it OK to import.

Woops, thanks for editing that HN

I'm a bit puzzled guys. The way I read it, you're supposed to include an importation certificate, which apparently costs $60 for the stuff I have been interested in.

It's this administrative whack that has kept me from buying O/S - is it actually possible to bring in legit seed without expensive paperwork?!

Thanks Trig, finally found it. It looks like the seeds that can be imported are the original species, no hybrids .

Here's the AQIS addy for those that are interested:
http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_querycontent.asp

Mostly an importation certificate is ONLY required if the cacti are from seed collected from Mexico (or their native country and it is endangered). On seed lists provided by sellers, these are normally assigned a # symbol, and importing then will need a certificate. All seed collected from Mexico needs a certificate. If the same cacti has been harvested from cultivated plants, then it will be ok (probably) - but you may have to convince customs of that if your package is opened. If you look at Vlado's listing in Australia, he marked the CITES restricted ones also with a #, and charges a premium on the seed because he has paid the import certificate.

Your absolutely right Hellonasty this forum could be read by anyone even gov. officers (a common practice with some departments).
MC if AQIS seize seed though the mail they will send you a seizure notice & you will have the option to return the seed (at your expence) or destruction, & yes i have had sezure notice arrive in the mail instead of my seed.
If they are on the CITES list & you dont have the right paperwork Customs will seize them & they dont give you the option to return them.
On the up side if the consignment isnt to big (i not sure what their exact criteria is yet) & the species are on the allowed list (if its not on the list its "unassessed" so prohibited) its well worth ordering from O/S. if its a larger shipment (mine was 4 species total probably about 800 g before a lost 2 of them, my fault) you are likely to get an inspection bill from AQIS & they know how to charge.