[How we operate] [How seed is dispatched]
[Import advice for international buyers]

How we operate

We are first and foremost a mail-order supplier, although we can make provision for clients who prefer to pick up their seed order from our office. We accept orders by mail, fax, email or telephone.

We ask that buyers do not send money with their order - this is mainly because we add the cost of postage (which depends on the mass of the parcel) and a handling fee to the total, and there may be items ordered that are out of stock - the result is that the amount sent is rarely the correct amount and either money has to be returned or more has to be sent.

Upon receipt of an order, it is queued in our in-box in sequence of receipt and processed in turn. We endeavour to respond to all orders within 5 working days, and while there are times when we may not make it, we promise to respond within 15 working days at the most.

During processing of an order, the seed is removed from stock and reserved for that client. We then issue a Quotation / Pro-Forma Invoice listing the seed being supplied, and giving the total cost for the order i.e. including the handling fee and postage costs, and excluding any out of stock items. The Quotation is then faxed or posted to the client, who, provided the quotation is acceptable to him/her, pays the total indicated. We accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards, cheques and/or bank drafts and deposits or credit transfers into the NBI bank account. We ask our clients to please return the Quotation or a copy of it with their payment to enable the NBI Cashier to identify for which Department in the NBI the payment is intended.

As soon as the Seed Room is notified that payment has been received, the seed is dispatched. If the seed is not paid for or otherwise claimed within thirty days of the date from which the quotation was issued, we reserve the right to cancel the Quotation and offer the seed to the next in line.

How seed is dispatched

All orders are dispatched F.O.B. Cape Town and entirely at the purchaser's risk. We cannot take responsibility for losses incurred by the postal service, unless the loss is caused by our negligence. Domestic parcels are sent by ordinary mail and international parcels are sent airmail, unless we are instructed otherwise by the buyer. The seed order form lists a variety of delivery options, e.g. registration / courier delivery, etc. All seed orders are dispatched in sturdy cartons, or in padded postal bags.

Import advice for international buyers

We expect international buyers to be au fait with the import regulations for their country. If seed is impounded by the authorities of an importing country, that is the buyer's responsibility. We abide by all standard import / export regulations in that all commercial orders are supplied with a Tax Invoice, all seed packets are labled with the botanical name of the seed contents, and we affix the requisite customs declaration to the parcel with contents and value declared.

Should your order require a treatment such as gassing or dusting with a fungicide/insecticide, let us know and if we can, we will comply. Likewise, if you need a phytosanitary certificate, let us know, and one will be supplied at the going rate (R125.00 for 2000).

Should you be unaware of your import regulations, we strongly recommend that you find out what they are. Most countries attach the department that deals with such matters to their Dept./ Ministry of Agriculture or Agricultural Affairs, in a sub-division with a name like Plant and Quality Control / Phytosanitary Services / Quarantine & Inspection Services / Plant Health etc etc. They should be able to tell you exactly what if any permits you need to import plant material, what species you may or may not import and whether or not you need a phytosanitary certificate.