Mysterious seeds in the mailbox: Warning of danger from China

More and more people in Germany are suddenly finding small bags of seeds in their mailboxes – without ever having ordered anything. Such mysterious mail is becoming increasingly common, especially in Hesse. Where exactly they come from now seems clear. What exactly is behind them, and why experts are warning against them.

The shipments originate primarily from China and, according to experts, pose significant risks to nature and agriculture. Experts from the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) in Braunschweig warn that the unknown seeds could contain invasive species.

These plants often spread uncontrollably and displace native species. There's also a risk of introducing diseases or pests—with consequences for forests, gardens, parks, and agriculture.

The JKI therefore strongly advises: Do not sow seeds, but dispose of them immediately in the household waste. Under no circumstances should the bags end up in the compost or organic waste bin, as the seeds could spread from there.

The phenomenon is occurring so frequently in Frankfurt because the DHL mail center, from which parcels from China are forwarded throughout Germany, is located at Frankfurt Airport. Other federal states are hardly affected by the "new scam," according to authorities.

In Hesse, the Plant Health Inspectorate inspected around 65,000 illegal shipments in the first few months of this year alone. In 2020, the responsible regional council in Giessen counted more than 126,000 such shipments. The packages are often mislabeled—for example, as "earrings" or "greeting cards." If the required plant health certificates are missing, the shipments are returned.

The exact motives remain unclear. However, authorities and experts suspect the following:

• “Brushing Scam” : This method is intended to artificially increase sales figures and generate fake reviews.
• Testing vulnerabilities : It is also possible that the shipments will be used to test import controls at EU borders.

According to experts, one thing is clear: consumers should under no circumstances plant or distribute unsown seeds.

It's not just unsolicited shipments that pose risks. Ordering seed online from non-EU countries is also considered problematic. Even if paperwork and certificates are included, caution is advised, authorities emphasize. The JKI also explicitly warns against private seed purchases abroad, especially from China.

Background: Numerous invasive plant species are banned in Germany and the EU because they can spread uncontrollably and displace native species. These include the tree of heaven , the milkweed , and the water hyacinth . Anyone who cultivates such species can expect heavy fines – in the worst case, penalties of up to 50,000 euros .

If you find seeds in your mailbox that you did not order, please note the following points:

• Do not sow – risk of invasive species and diseases.
• Dispose of in household waste – not in compost or organic waste bin.

With material from DPA