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Guidance on Unsolicited Seed Packages from China

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is aware that people across the country have received unsolicited packages of seed from China in recent days. APHIS is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection and State departments of agriculture to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protect U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds.

Any Kansan who receives an unsolicited package of seeds from China should immediately contact Kansas Department of Agriculture’s plant protection and weed control program at 785-564-6698, via email at KDA.PPWC@ks.gov or at the complaint reporting portion of the KDA website: report a seed complaint.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture has stated that the types of seeds in the packages are unknown at this time. The packages were sent by mail; some have been labeled as jewelry and they may have Chinese writing on them. Unsolicited packages of seeds have been received by people in several other states across the United States over the last several days.

If you receive a package of this type, please DO NOT plant these seeds.  Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species wreak havoc on the environment, displace or destroy native plants and insects and severely damage crops. KDA works to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Kansas agriculture.

Again, recipients of these unsolicited seed packages should contact their State department of agriculture or the 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.  People with questions can also call APHIS at 844-820-2234, Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, or email CustomerServiceCallCenter@aphis.usda.gov.