Spring is here and many amateur gardeners are already getting started with sowing and planting. It is important to consider carefully where seeds and plants come from: dangerous plant diseases can be introduced via online orders – particularly from non-EU countries.

A phytosanitary certificate must be presented upon import for all seeds and living plants (e.g. flower bulbs) from non-EU countries. Upon arrival in Austria, such consignments are inspected by our experts at the Official Plant Protection Service. 

It is not possible to import consignments via the post. Any consignment classified as phytosanitary-relevant is immediately returned to the sender by the post office in accordance with its terms and conditions. In recent years, however, it has become apparent that seeds and flower bulbs from third countries – particularly from China – are frequently misdeclared in order to circumvent checks. They are described, for example, as ‘greeting cards’, ‘decorations’ or ‘jewellery’, or sent as free gifts. 

Such inconspicuous little bags can, however, be problematic. The seeds may be infested with plant diseases or pests that pose a threat to domestic gardens and to agriculture and forestry. They may also be invasive plants that spread uncontrollably and displace native plants. 

To minimise the risk of introducing dangerous harmful organisms, seeds and plants should preferably be sourced from local producers or within the EU. 

Currently, there is an increasing trend for online retailers to send large quantities of unsolicited seeds of various plants to randomly selected addresses. Due to the phytosanitary risk, unsolicited seeds should not be sown or composted, but disposed of in general waste.