Zhuhai’s Gongbei Customs announced in a statement on Monday that it recently intercepted two separate travellers attempting to take unapproved plants and plant seeds into the Chinese mainland, posing significant biosecurity risks.
In the first case, customs officers discovered 24.7 kg of palm family plant seeds in a traveller’s luggage, according to the statement.
In the second case, officers seized 17 peony plants (with soil) weighing 19.1 kg from another inbound passenger, the statement said.
According to relevant laws and regulations, seeds, seedlings, and other plant materials with reproductive capacity, along with soil, are strictly prohibited from being brought or mailed into the Chinese mainland. The statement added that customs officers have lawfully confiscated the items, and the cases are currently undergoing further processing.
Plant seeds and plants carry a high risk of harbouring diseases and pests, the statement noted, adding that unchecked introduction can spread harmful organisms, severely threatening agricultural and forestry production, food security, and national biosecurity.
Gongbei Customs reminded the public in the statement that, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, importing live animals and plants across the Chinese mainland border without prior approval is strictly prohibited. Violators will face legal liability.
This undated and pixelated handout photo provided by Gongbei Customs on Monday shows the suspected smuggler and her contraband consisting of 17 peony plants (with soil) weighing 19.1 kg seized by customs officers.
