South Korea: Quarantine Agency to promote special quarantine for banned import fruits

The Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency in South Korea will conduct a special quarantine period from October 15 to November 15 to prevent the import of prohibited fresh fruits. This period will see increased X-ray screening, quarantine detection dogs, joint inspections with customs and logistics centers, and crackdowns on foreign grocery stores and markets. Any illegal import of prohibited fruits could result in a prison sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. This measure is aimed at protecting the domestic fruit industry and environment from pests introduced through illegally imported fruits.

In line with the peak season for fresh fruit distribution, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency will operate a ‘special quarantine period for prohibited fresh fruit imports’ from the 15th of this month to the 15th of November. During this period, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency will strengthen X-ray screening of consignments and mail at major airports and ports and focus on deploying quarantine detection dogs. It also plans to strengthen quarantine cooperation by promoting joint inspections with customs and international mail logistics centers. It plans to conduct periodic patrol inspections of small cargo (LCL, Less Thank Container Load) warehouses and conduct full quarantine if prohibited items such as fresh fruit are found or suspected. On-site crackdowns will also be strengthened. A planning investigation team including special judicial police officers will be formed to focus on cracking down on approximately 1,400 foreign grocery stores and traditional markets ...