Importing flasks from thailand to Canada

[treefrog]

I've read a few of the board canadian members have imported flasks from thailand. I was wondering what type of paperwork is needed and what are the best or acceptable methods for shipping the flasks?

Math

[Jorch]

You need to apply for an import permit for the specific vendor you are importing from. Then you should send a copy of the import permit to the vendor so he/she can put the import permit, along with his/her export permit along with the flasks, and ship it via EMS.

[noravon]

When you import a flask to Canada, do the count each plant in the flask or is the flask considered one plant?

I want to import flasks from Thailand, but need the plant count to be under 50.

[treefrog]

Is the permit valid for a single import or can it be used for multiple import throught the year.

All the best
Math

[Jorch]

Originally Posted by treefrog

Is the permit valid for a single import or can it be used for multiple import throught the year.

All the best
Math

you need one import permit per vendor. the good thing is a permit is usually valid for a few years (3 years?).

[Jorch]

Originally Posted by noravon

When you import a flask to Canada, do the count each plant in the flask or is the flask considered one plant?

I want to import flasks from Thailand, but need the plant count to be under 50.

I'm curious as to where the "plant count under 50" restriction comes from? haven't heard that one before.. I have only aware of the "plant count under 50" restriction for carrying houseplants across the border.

[noravon]

The COC states that there is a maximum of 50 plants that can travel via air with me under hobbyist rules. I took that to mean a non-hobbyist is a commercial endevour that requires business numbers to be placed on the import permit from Ottawa.

It is possible that there is another category that I am unaware of.

[Carl Austin]

A flask is usually counted as one plant. At least that's what the COC recommends declaring them as. I think you can bring several flasks without any worry but I would contact Customs at your point of entry (I assume Vancouver) and get a decision from them before I brought any back.
As stupid as Canadian rules are, you might need a CITES and even a Phyto. Unless they're positively excluded in the regulations, I would assume you need them. I recommend you read the "rant" by Howard Ginsberg on his site at Bedford Orchids. He relates one incident that is almost unbelievable. Mind you, that was in Toronto but you never know.

Carl

[phearamedusa]

If I travel to the states, and purchase one or two plants, can I safely bring them back or will I face all kinds of grief at the border? I saw some beauties over there a little while back, but didn't buy due to fear of hassles and confiscation of plant if permits needed.

[Carl Austin]

If you're bringing them back with you, you don't need a permit or a Phyto byt you DO need a CITES.

Carl