Report Unsolicited Seeds to APHIS

Author: UC Integrated Pest Management Program

Have you had unexpected seeds show up in the mail? Unknown seeds could be invasive plants, contain invasive insects, or have plant disease causing agents. Here's what the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has to say about it.

APHIS Stakeholder Announcement July 28, 2020 (Language from their website)

USDA Investigates Packages of Unsolicited Seeds

USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.

USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director. Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.

At this time, [USDA does not] have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.

USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Visit the APHIS' website to learn more about USDA's efforts to stop agricultural smuggling and promote trade compliance.

Questions?

Media Contact:
Cecilia Sequeira (301) 851-4054
K.cecilia.sequeira@usda.gov

Public Value: Safeguarding abundant and healthy food

Focus Area: Ag, Environment, Pest Management, Yard & Garden

Tags: USDA, invasive, seed, press release, plants, regulations, pest management

Suggested image:

Unlabeled seeds from unsolicited packages. Credit: Anonymous.

Alt text: Unrequested package of seeds in a plastic bag next to the mailing envelope the seeds were delivered in. Credit Anonymous.