Qingdao Jiaodong Airport Customs seized 40000 Arabidopsis seeds hidden in inbound parcels (pictured)

The picture shows Arabidopsis seeds seized by customs at Qingdao Jiaodong Airport, photographed by Shang Junqing

Recently, Qingdao Jiaodong Airport Customs seized 40000 Arabidopsis seeds hidden in inbound express shipments.

During the on-site inspection of one imported express package declared as a "document" by customs officers, obvious abnormalities were found in the image. After inspection, 15 small bags of suspected plant seeds were found stuck in their white foam bags, which were identified as Arabidopsis seeds, with a total of about 40000 seeds.

According to the "List of Animals, Plants, Their Products, and Other Quarantine Items Prohibited from Carrying or Sending into the People's Republic of China", seeds, seedlings, and other plants, plant products, and materials with reproductive ability are prohibited from being carried or sent into the country. Those who violate relevant regulations will be held legally responsible by the customs in accordance with the law. (Liu Peng/Text)