Selling seeds in France and Europe: what you need to know

In this article 7 ⌄

At SemiSauvage Permaculture, we offer seeds for the pleasure of growing, observing, sharing, and preserving biodiversity. Some customers ask us legitimate questions: is it legal? Is it authorized? Are there any restrictions?

Here are clear, well-documented answers.

What the regulations say

In France and the European Union, it is entirely legal to sell seeds to private individuals for non-professional use: amateur gardening, collecting, growing in pots, or growing in the ground.

This activity is regulated, but it is not prohibited, provided that:

• The seeds are not presented as intended for professional agriculture;
• The species concerned do not appear on a phytosanitary prohibited list;
• The seller complies with traceability, labeling, and hygiene requirements.

Our seeds are intended exclusively for amateur use, in compliance with these provisions.

Why these rules exist

They are not intended to restrict the freedom to garden, but rather to:

• Limiting the spread of serious plant diseases ;
• Preventing the introduction of invasive or harmful species;
• Protecting agricultural and forest ecosystems.

This is a matter of plant health, just as essential as food safety.

Our approach: preserving biodiversity, fully compliantly

• All our species are authorized for sale to private individuals, in compliance with French and European regulations.
• Our seeds are reproducible, untreated, and non-GMO, and come from carefully selected batches.
• We ensure rigorous monitoring of every variety: botanical name, origin, traceability, and storage conditions.
• We are members of SEMAE, the interprofessional organization for seeds.

This membership enables us to comply with the official phytosanitary requirements in force, stay informed in real time about regulatory changes, and ensure greater transparency regarding sensitive species.

What about deliveries abroad?

If you are ordering from a country outside the European Union — the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, or the United States — please be aware that each country has its own import regulations.

In summary

Question	Answer
Is it legal to buy these seeds?	Yes, for personal and amateur use.
Are these seeds healthy?	Yes, they are carefully selected and stored.
Can I grow them freely?	Yes, at home, in a pot, or in the garden.
Can I receive them abroad?	It depends on the regulations in your country.
Does SemiSauvage follow the rules?	Yes, we are SEMAE members and comply with plant health legislation.

Why it matters

Every seed sown is an act of preserving the diversity of life. By growing hardy, heirloom, or forgotten species, you contribute to:

• The preservation of plant heritage;
• The protection of pollinating insects;
• The preservation of plant genetic diversity;
• The creation of a more resilient and vibrant garden.

Key points

To go further

• Organic vs. conventional seeds: what do they really contain?
• What is the difference between F1, hybrid, and reproducible seeds?
• Heirloom seeds: what are they? Why grow them?
• How to store your seeds from one year to the next

Thank you for being part of this adventure with us — discover our heirloom varieties and our rare seeds.