Diseased Plant Importers Are In For Trouble

With all of the pests and disease that float around the world theses days, the United States is not the only country trying to prevent them from crossing borders. In a recent article from Channel News Asia International, people bringing plants into Singapore from other countries are going to need phytosanitary, or plant health, certificates in order to get through customs (The only exception is if you’re bringing in up to three plants from Malaysia, according to the article).

Violators may be fined up to $1,000 for bringing plants into the country that may be carrying exotic pests and diseases. The article stated that, “The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) says that it has seized some 500 diseased plants at its checkpoints in the last two years.”

“Rhinocerous beetles may be small but they’re a big enemy of plants. Once they creep into the roots, stem and leaves, the plant would rot and die. And, even if just 10 percent of the palm trees here get infected by such pests, it’ll cost the government $1.3 million to replace them,” the article stated. In Garden City, Singapore alone there are approximatly1.4 million trees. AVA inspects and treats all imported plants at the customs checkpoints, said the article.

Countries all over the world are now getting on the clean stock bandwagon, so for all of you plant collectors out there, look out. A lot more people are now watching you.