How to mail seeds internationally

[GwenninPR]

This may be a dumb question but....how would I send seeds to Malta?
How do I know the cost and regulations  etc?

Someone sent me an email asking for some seeds but I really have no idea how to do it.

[siafu]

Hi Gwen,

Malta is part of the European Union,
so the rules should be about the same as for the rest of the block.
And for seeds there are none of particular importance, and no permits are needed.

Just make sure the seeds are really well cleaned, and let them dry overnight.
(Fruit flesh gets moldy and spoils the seeds.)

I've received many seeds from Puerto Rico. Biggest concern is to have them packed properly so they
can make it in viable condition. For Portugal it takes around 8 to 10 days for a packet to arrive,
which is not an issue. It should be about the same for Malta. Only Italy has a notoriously tardy postal system.

Regarding packing, if the seeds are perishable pack them in peat moss or coconut coir.
Make sure the medium is just a little damp. Often seeds rot due to excessive moisture.
Do squeeze all the water from the peat/coir. It will feel dry but thats what you want.
It also helps to puncture the bag a few times to allow the seeds to breathe.

[Tropicdude]

Curious, Which seeds you sending to Malta? the climate there is rather cool, with temps similar to that of San Jose. CA.  Malta is the only place I have traveled to outside the New World.   Very little green there, its mostly a big rock in the Med. but I like the people there, and its an interesting culture. tons of history. I went there because of my interest in the ruins, cart ruts etc. 

[GwenninPR]

Thanks for the info.

Regular bubble envelope, or do I need air mail?  How to figure cost?

He asked for sapodilla seeds. I think I must have offered them years ago to someone on GW.  He must have done a search and just now found it.

[siafu]

A regular bubble envelope is fine.
I don't think it should cost more than a couple dollars of postage.

Sapodilla will probably do ok in Malta, near the coast.