Many Vietnamese people settled in Canada want to grow a few rows of Vietnamese herbs such as Vietnamese balm and Thai basil, or some marigolds in the front yard, to ease their homesickness. However, seeds are one of the most tightly controlled items under Canada’s plant protection and customs authorities (CBSA). Missing a single document or packing them the wrong way can get your whole parcel confiscated or destroyed at the border.
This article explains in detail how to prepare documents, pack and declare seeds sent from Vietnam to Canada for gardening.
Which seeds can be sent to Canada?
Not every type of seed is allowed into Canada. CBSA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) group seeds by the risk that they carry pests or become invasive:
- Lower-risk seeds: Common flowers such as marigolds and sunflowers, and popular leafy vegetables (water spinach, choy sum, lettuce). These usually clear customs easily if their origin is clear.
- Restricted or prohibited seeds: Seeds of woody fruit trees, citrus seeds and plants that could harm Canadian agriculture.
To be sure whether your seeds can be imported, check CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) or contact your carrier before you buy.
How to get a phytosanitary certificate in Vietnam
This is the most important document in whether your seeds clear customs in Canada. Without a phytosanitary certificate, Canadian customs will confiscate the parcel immediately.
Step 1: Prepare a seed sample
Prepare a sample of the seeds in the manufacturer’s original labelled packaging. The label must show the scientific name in Latin (both genus and species, for example Tagetes patula for French marigold).
Step 2: Submit an application to the Plant Quarantine Sub-Department
Take the sample to your nearest regional Plant Quarantine Sub-Department (for example, in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi). The application includes:
- A plant quarantine registration form (official template).
- The seed sample for inspection.
- A copy of the sender’s ID.
Step 3: Receive the result
The quarantine authority runs laboratory tests to check whether the seeds carry fungi, bacteria or harmful insect eggs. If they pass, you will receive an original Phytosanitary Certificate to send with the parcel.
How to pack seeds to export standards
Seeds are very sensitive to humidity and temperature during air transport. To keep them from going mouldy and make customs inspection easy, pack them as follows:
- Keep the commercial packaging: Never repack seeds in unlabelled, self-sealed plastic bags. Keep them in the manufacturer’s original packaging with the brand, expiry date, sowing instructions and especially the Latin scientific name clearly printed.
- Use moisture-proof bags: Put the seed packets in a sealed zip bag, with a small desiccant pack if possible, to protect them from condensation caused by temperature changes in flight.
- Pack in a sturdy carton: Place the bags in a small carton. Soleil Transportation’s air shipping service to Canada includes basic packing in a carton so the goods aren’t crushed during the flight.
Customs declarations and common mistakes
When filling in the shipping invoice, transparency is decisive.
- Name the goods clearly: Don’t just write “gift” or “personal effects”. Write, for example, “Flower seeds for planting (Tagetes patula)” or “Vegetable seeds (herbs)”.
- Attach the documents: The original Phytosanitary Certificate must be attached to the outside of the box, next to the shipping label, so customs officers can easily check it without tearing the box open.
Ship to Canada safely with Soleil Transportation
If you are looking for a way to send seeds, gifts or household items to family in Canada, Soleil Transportation is always ready to help:
- Fast air transport: Average transit time from Vietnam to Canada is 7–12 business days (7–14 days depending on the location).
- Great rates: Door-to-door air shipping to Canada is very competitive, from just $16/kg. For small, light gifts and personal items, you can choose ePacket from just $8.50 CAD per parcel.
- Dedicated support: We help you classify your goods, check the prohibited import lists and prepare the necessary documents to minimise the risk of holds at the border.
Before buying seeds to send to Canada for planting, put together a list of the seed varieties (with English or scientific names if possible). Contact Soleil Transportation on +1 888-998-5199 or at info@soleiltransportation.com and our team will check whether they can be shipped and advise you on the best option.
