1.
Reason for Revision
The purpose of the revision is to
strengthen the level of sanctions against violators of the quarantine reporting
requirements as part of the “Countermeasures against the Illegal Importation
and Distribution of LMO Seeds” from zucchini pumpkins.
2.
Main Contents
a. Strengthened sanctions
for violations of quarantine reporting obligations for postal matter and consignments
(Article 48 of the draft).
◦ A new provision has
been established to impose penalties of up to one year of imprisonment or fines
of up to KRW 10 million for individuals who violate quarantine obligations for
postal matter or consignments by making false reports, importing without
quarantine, or undergoing quarantine through deceitful or fraudulent means. For
negligent violations, fines of up to KRW 3 million may be imposed, and for
items intended for personal use, fines of up to KRW 3 million may also apply.
b. Provision of grounds
for the delegation of detailed procedures for the disposal on quarantine result
disposition (Article 16 of the draft).
◦ The Ministerial
Ordinance includes detailed procedures for the disposal on quarantine result
disposition, but the Act has no provision for the delegation thereof. The
provision is newly inserted to provide the basis for delegation.
c. Precautions for
overseas travelers on plant quarantine (Article 45-4 of the draft)
◦ The revision provides the
grounds for administrators of air or sea port facilities to provide quarantine
information inside aircraft and ships.
d. Prompt notification
encouraged for items imported by consignment service (Article 50 of the draft)
◦ Prompt notification is
encouraged by adding “without delay” to the provision concerning the penalties to
be imposed for consignment operator’s non-compliance with the obligation to notify
quarantine.