I've read some shops have them packaged especially for bringing in to the USA but then I read they will still be confiscated by customs. Anybody bring them back in with or without problems. Thanks!
Posted by
Spokane, WA
477 posts
I've brought bulbs back several times and have never had any problems with them, in fact most of the time they don't even check them except for a quick glance. Be sure to get the ones that are packaged for the US, they have a seal on them. You can get them at most shops and even at the airport. My garden is full of beautiful blooms right now.
Posted by
PA
2857 posts
When we brought some US packs in a couple years ago, we were asked when we d if we would mind taking them over to the agricultural inspector so they could see what seals looked like, they apparently hadn't seen them before.
If they have the valid seal they will not be confiscated. They are significantly more costly to purchase than the regular bulbs because of this, but then they are less costly than having the regular bulbs shipped back after purchase, including being inspected.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
I've also brought bulbs back with the necessary certification (a "phytosanitary certificate") for import to the U.S. Customs asked to see the packages so that they could check the certificate, but there were no problems bringing them in.
Posted by
CA, USA
1245 posts
We have brought them back. Be sure they have the approval seal on them. You will, however, get to visit with the nice agricultural inspection people who may ask you to empty everything out of your luggage. Apparently people who own up to bringing in approved plant material are suspected of being more likely to be smuggling other things they chose not to disclose. Or that was our experience, anyway. To be honest, it wasn't worth the trouble and delay. There isn't that much of a savings, if any, over what you can buy them for here in the States.
Posted by
OP
Crofton, md, USA
2 posts
Thank you all for the help. I'll definitely look for the seal!