Seeds confiscated by customs

Question

Purchased some wood apple seeds. Envelope arrived almost 6 weeks later. Inside a notice from, US Dept of Agriculture Animal and Plant Protection and Quarantine. Mail Interception Notice, informing me,

â—Material not authorized entry

â—Phyto-sanitary certificate missing

In violation of; 7USC 7734.

Should seller provide refund?

Or buyer absorb loss?

I'm sure thus is not unique situation, although I have seeds coming out of India many times before, never a problem.

I would settle for seller re-sending the seeds. Using alternative labeling instead of " Wood Apple " on the envelope.

Please advise!

Thank you

tree*fern · Answer

Hi @jofern301 Request a refund from the seller under eBay's Money Back Guarantee. If there's a tracking number and the mail interception shows it as delivered, then give the reason for refund as Item Not As Described, and explain the details, noting that the seeds were confiscated. Include a photo of the USDA notice.

You should not ask a seller to use "alternative labeling," as that would be illegal. The seller needs to include the right certification.

Requesting a refund:
https://www.ebay.com/help/buying/returns-items-not-received-refunds-buyers/returns-items-not-received-refunds-buyers?id=4008