Unsolicited seed packages, primarily originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), received by households across the United States likely pose significant challenges for biosecurity and may inspire intentional attacks using harmful agricultural products and biological materials in the Homeland.

Within the past five years, unknown actors with no stated motive distributed several mass mailings of unsolicited mystery seeds across the United States. Unscreened agricultural products, including biological materials pose a threat to the security of the food and agriculture sector, potentially introducing non-endemic bacterial, fungal, and viral vectors to the United States, affecting plant health and the economies of related industries. Recent seed packages received from February through May of this year may indicate an increasing trend, highlighting persistent attempts by foreign actors to introduce agricultural products and biological materials into the United States despite import restrictions. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted many of these packages.

Should you be in receipt of unsolicited seed packages, potted seeds, or seeds germinated into plants, DO NOT open, plant, or dispose of them. The seeds could belong to an invasive species or contain pathogens detrimental to local plants and agriculture. Instead, keep the seeds and mailing label, then report the incident to your local State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director.

View report from the Chemical/Biological Branch within the DHS CWMD Intelligence Division: HERE