Customs seizure of empty containers with transgenic corn seeds left over

In Shantou Customs District, 46 inbound containers with leftover transgenic corn seeds were returned from Shantou Port Customs House on December 7.

According to the Customs House, on November 27, the customs officers conducted entry quarantine for 46 empty containers that were just earlier used to transport US corns to the Taiwan region, and they seized a large quantity of leftover corn seeds, grass and live insects therein. Through special lab tests, the corn seeds were identified to be transgenic.

To prevent safety threats to domestic eco-environment, the Customs immediately conducted the return of the 46 containers in accordance with the Measures of Entry-Exit Inspection & Quarantine on Transgenic Products.

Since this year, Shantou Port has intercepted 510 TEU of epidemic and harmful substances in empty containers, at the detection rate of 19.23%, including quarantine pests such as red fire ants. The Customs House will take closer control over inbound empty containers to prevent any epidemic and harmful substances from abroad.