MCSchrum, don't get discouraged. It is very easy to get the permit. It takes 10 min. to fill it up, but you do need to wait for a long time. Here is a simple direction:
It is very good way to get orchids you can't get easily in the US. I highly recommend you to import seeds! The exporter has to follow the direction (i.e. each envelop is clearly labelled etc), but it requires minimum work for the exporter.
If you hadn't started this thread you'd still be ignorant of the laws, buying seeds illegally and posting about it in public forums. And each time you'd be rolling the dice and not knowing you could crap out by having the wrong person find out. Seems to me you should be happy you started this thread.........
__________________
Be who you are and say what you think. Those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter.
Yeah, I was going to ask too, why are you seeking orchid seeds? There is such a small, tiny window os success with seed - and that is if you have a lab setup with the right mychrorhizal fungi. Just buy plants