Smuggling

[Charlie]

Most people respect the law regarding moving plants and seeds between countries, but there is a small group of people who smuggle hibiscus back and forth between their countries and justify this activity with various arguments. There are good reasons why the rules are in place, but the temptation is always there to obtain something you cannot get in your own country.

For Americans, I just read this news report that contains a cautionary tale about flaunting the Plant Protection Act:

"Prime Airport Services Inc., a ground cargo handler at Miami International Airport, has pled guilty to two counts of importing plants and plant pests, in violation of the Plant Protection Act. Immediately after the plea, U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro sentenced Prime Airport Services to a $1 million fine. The conviction of Prime Airport Services represents the first felony case for violation of the Plant Protection Act nationwide"

[helixturnhelix]

Yikes!  I wonder what state to state policies are in place?

[Charlie]

States can and do make their own regulations. I've been told by inspectors that there appears to be a tendency to retaliate between states. For example, if Florida puts in place a regulation that effects California plants moving into Florida, California will pass a regulation that effects Florida plants moving into California. Annoying to growers in both places, but we live with it and do what we have to do. As far as I know the penalties for breaking state rules are limited to confiscation of the plants involved.

Charlie