USDA’s new guidance helps farmers and other producers looking to import hemp seeds.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) helped hemp growers and exporters last week by issuing guidance regarding the importation (legally) of hemp seeds to the U.S. from Canada and elsewhere.

You used to need DEA approval for an import permit to get hemp seeds imported, but the 2018 Farm Bill removed DEA authority for seed imports.

A group of seed exporters and growers requested UDA guidance and the USDA obliged. You can read the full guidance here https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/importation-hemp-seeds. Importantly, you should know that:

• The USDA regulates importation of hemp seeds for planting.
• Seeds imported from Canada must be accompanied by either: “1) a phytosanitary certification from Canada’s national plant protection organization to verify the origin of the seed and confirm that no plant pests are detected; or 2) a Federal Seed Analysis Certificate (SAC, PPQ Form 925) for hemp seeds grown in Canada.”
• Seeds imported from countries other than Canada must be  accompanied by “a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country’s national plant protection organization to verify the origin of the seed and confirm that no plant pests are detected.”
• Customs and Border Protection may inspect all hemp seed shipments upon arrival at the first port of entry to ensure USDA regulations are met – including certification and freedom from plant pests.

Those wishing to pose questions or request additional information can contact: farmbill.hemp@usda.gov