And I knew better.....WARNING

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by trdyl

Ron,

Did you have an import permit for the plant?

Speaking of that, while the USDA agents were here at my house, one of the things they left for me was an import app. She said it would take some time, but if I was planning on importing plants in the future, I would have to have a permit. I think I'll let my certified nursery folk take care of that. The app is not too complicated, but each time I were to import, this would have to be filled out (kind of reminds me of a customs declaration form) and be approved before shipping could take place. "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today...."

[lambelkip]

a few months back, I ordered a plant from a vendor who said it was in florida. when the plant shipped, it was sent from china, and got confiscated by customs. I did eventually get a refund.

What's the form number on the application they left for you?

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by lambelkip

a few months back, I ordered a plant from a vendor who said it was in florida. when the plant shipped, it was sent from china, and got confiscated by customs. I did eventually get a refund.

What's the form number on the application they left for you?

I filed a report with eBay, but don't know if I will get a refund or not...not holding my breath. It could have been so much worse! There are a TON 'O numbers. The one in the bottom left corner is PPQ FORM 587 (MD). It's to import plants or plant products and is to be sent/faxed to the Permit Unit in Maryland. Just a one pager, but my passport app was a one pager and sent to Houston (much closer) and it seemed I waited for some time prior to receiving it (just a renewal, even).

[Royal]

Crazy story Vanessa! I'm glad it worked out. I'd vouch for you if you needed me to.

My only question is... what was the plant?

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Crazy story Vanessa! I'm glad it worked out. I'd vouch for you if you needed me to.

My only question is... what was the plant?

ROYAL!!!

Thanks for the character reference offer.

I am really embarrassed about the plant...it was an oncidium hybrid....twinkle 'red fantasy'....stop laughing But the picture was really pretty....
Yeah, I clicked bid before confirming the location. I could pick this one up cheap from oak hill or C & H or here at OB or.... Just chalking this one up to "lesson learned, no major harm done"!
The agent and trainee visited with my spousal unit while I was printing out the details of the sale. I could hear the agent saying that I now owed him big time and they all laughed. I was thinking if they knew the plant, the laughter would be that much louder.

[Connie Star]

That is certainly a cautionary tale!
I'm planning an upcoming trip to Costa Rica, and was thinking of getting an APHIS permit and maybe bringing back a plant or two, but now I am definitely not going to.
I'm glad you didn't really get into trouble. I hope the seller gets de-listed from eBay!

[Royal]

Vanessa, I would never laugh at someone for drooling over and wanting an orchid -- that's all I do. I want all of them! ebay is an evil temptress. I'm just happy to know the investigation targeted the real offender. Too often an innocent victim gets tangled up in mistakes of this sort.

Connie,

Bringing plants back in your carry-on may be a different story. I know that you could bring back flasks. A friend brought me back a flask that was marketed to American tourists. It had all the required permits in the packaging.

[Connie Star]

Is that like those "baby orchids" they sell? I did buy some on my last trip but then decided against bringing them along and left them with a friend. They came with a lot of paperwork and they were in little test-tube like things that had agar in the bottom.

[Country Gramma]

Hi Connie, I went to Costa Rica last year to my bros house. I envy you so much. I wish I was into orchids at the time. He lived in a cloud forest and the trees were covered with epiphytes. I loved them and took some great pics. Just wish he was still here, I'd love to go there again (I'd love even more to see him again)
Karen

[slipperfreak]

I can't believe they confiscated an Oncidium Twinkle! It's not even a species! How lame is that...

There are some disturbing tales told here! I wonder if the same thing might happen to me, living in Canada? I've never ordered from outside the country before.