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.