Illegal Distribution of Imported Plants to Face Prison or Fines Under Amended Plant Quarantine Act

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) announced today (June 24) that an amendment to the Plant Quarantine Act has been promulgated, establishing legal grounds to prohibit and penalize the domestic distribution of illegally imported prohibited items.

The amendment will take effect on December 17.

The government has strengthened existing regulations, which previously only penalized importers of prohibited items, to now include those who transfer or distribute such illegally imported goods within the country. Violators will face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The definition of distribution includes storage and transportation intended for the purpose of distribution.

Furthermore, the amendment mandates that accurate product names must be stated on the exterior of mail or consignments, as well as on commercial documents, when bringing items subject to plant quarantine through international mail or courier services.

Violations of this requirement will result in a fine of up to 3 million won.

The APQA explained that this amendment is a response to the recent, continuous increase in the illegal entry and distribution of fresh fruits, seedlings, and insects through overseas direct purchases.

The agency also plans to push for the establishment of a regional investigation unit dedicated to investigating animal and plant quarantine violations.

Choi Jeong-rok, Commissioner of the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, stated, "We will prevent agricultural damage caused by the introduction of foreign pests in advance and thoroughly crack down on the import and distribution of illegal agricultural and livestock products."

(Photo: Provided by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.