Today’s overview is for all our gardener readers who are determined to take their seeds along wherever they travel. Together, we will explore the focal point of discussion- can you bring seeds on a plane?
Considering the answer we address, we will also educate you about the rules and regulations surrounding the permission or prohibition of seeds on a plane.
Though it is uncommon for people to travel with seeds, if you are, then it is in your best interest to be fully aware of the topic, as the rules guarding seeds and traveling with them on a plane can be confusing.
Can You Bring Seeds On A Plane?
Fortunately, there is good news about whether you can bring seeds on a plane; in most cases, you can travel on an airplane by bringing seeds. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules and restrictions, seeds are not categorized under protected or prohibited items, subject to limitations like treatment or post-entry quarantine. 
Regardless, before you go on board with seeds in your luggage, keep in mind the few things we state, and they are the following:
Check Destination Country’s Rule
Even though your departure country and its airport authorities may approve of your travel with seeds, the destination country will necessarily not greet you with the same attitude and optimism.
Therefore, we advise you to first research and check the destination country’s regulations or restrictions regarding the importation of seeds to avoid issues. This is because some countries may have strict rules against carrying seeds on air travel, which could result in you facing a hefty fine or even legal trouble.
Proper & Accurate Labeling
As a passenger, it is crucial for you to have every packaging of seeds properly and accurately labeled whenever you travel with seeds. Ensure to have all the seeds packed in their original package with all the labels clearly stating the type of seeds.
If you are bringing loose seeds, pack them in a resealable bag, preferably a zip-lock bag, and paste a prominent label over it indicating the plant name and any other relevant or useful information about the seeds.
TSA Inspection
You must be aware that despite not being prohibited by the TSA, some seeds may often be the subject of inspection by the authorities if they trigger suspicious activity. In such situations, it is favorable to always be honest and upfront with the authorities about the seeds you have in your luggage and be truthful about their transportation to the TSA agents.
Domestic And International Flying With Seeds
This might surprise readers, but rules for carrying seeds on domestic and international flights differ. The only reason constituting the difference is that some countries do not permit travelers to carry seeds into or out of a country when flying. Thus, the destination you are traveling to will determine whether you can bring seeds on a plane.
Domestic Flights
You are unlikely to ever encounter a troubling situation when flying with seeds domestically. You should face no problem with seeds and are good to proceed as long as the seeds you have packed in your checked or carry-on bag are not considered illegal.
International Flights
Comparative to domestic flights, flying internationally with seeds demands you to be slightly cautious, especially when the rules for traveling with seeds vary per the country you land in, and you are under the obligation to follow the rules set by the destination country.
To be safe, always contact the embassy or the customs office of the arrival country to seek guidance concerning whether you can bring seeds on a plane to their destination, along with inquiring about the type of allowed and prohibited seeds.
Even if seeds are permitted, remember to declare them as soon as you arrive at the destination, as any failure can result in grave consequences.
For example, in a foreign country like the United States of America, the seeds of the plant you bring matter a lot. There are some rules in the USA per the USDA in place for traveling with seeds.
You are not allowed to travel in or depart from the USA with seeds that are an outcome of shrubs or trees; the only permissible seeds are that of herb plants.
You will also have to bring a phytosanitary certificate to meet the entry requirements instated by the customs to surpass security and board your flight. This condition is set so all plant seeds can be thoroughly examined at the border and also for detection of any foreign pests.
Other countries might not allow seeds to be taken to protect the agricultural industry and the ecosystem. Such as countries like New Zealand and Australia have imposed strict regulations on the kind of seeds that can be brought into the country because they want to prevent introducing invasive species in their regions as it is a prominent and harmful indicator to the natural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Which seeds are not allowed in flight?
Generally, illegal seeds are not allowed, but every country you travel to has a set of rules for the seeds they do not allow to be brought.
Can I take nuts and seeds on a plane?
While the stance on seeds remains indecisive and in the hands of the authorities of your destination country, you are allowed to take nuts on a plane.
Can you take seeds on a plane to the USA?
No seeds from shrubs and trees can be taken to the USA, only herb seeds.
Are seeds allowed when traveling within the same country?
Seeds can be taken on a plane without restrictions when traveling within the same country.
Conclusion
The answer to the question Can you bring seeds on a plane acquires a rather perplexing position as the rules per the country you travel from and to differ. While there is no cause for concern about traveling with seeds domestically, you will always have to be cautious when traveling with seeds internationally.
