Attention to foreign traders! 47 new "blacklisted" members added to the quarantine pest list.

As a veteran with 20 years of experience in foreign trade, I deeply understand that in international trade, besides focusing on conventional factors like tariffs and exchange rates,Biosafety RisksEqually important is the "Announcement No. 845 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the General Administration of Customs," which took effect on November 28, 2024. This announcement added 47 new species to the List of Quarantine Pests for Imported Plants, bringing the total number to 493. This means we need to be even more cautious in handling these "unwelcome guests" in our import and export operations.

I remember in 2018, a batch of African timber our company was handling had to be entirely returned due to the detection of pinewood nematodes, resulting in significant losses. Since then, I've paid special attention to the prevention and control of such quarantine pests. Today, let me, as a "veteran in foreign trade," introduce you to some notorious "dangerous characters" on the list.

How many of these "dangerous elements" do you recognize?

In international trade, we often encounter various agricultural products, timber, and other goods, which frequently serve as "hitchhikers" for pests. Let's take a look at some of the "star players" in the latest catalog.

• Mediterranean fruit flyThis "fruit killer" measures only 3.5-5 mm in length, yet it can harm over 400 types of fruits and vegetables. Not only does it directly gnaw on the flesh, but it also triggers bacterial and fungal infections, causing the fruits to rot and fall off.
• Giant African snailThis "big eater" can grow up to 20 centimeters tall and reproduces at an alarming rate. Not only does it devour crops, but it also serves as an intermediate host for various parasites, posing a threat to human health.
• Pinewood nematodeThis "tree killer" measures only about 1 millimeter in length, yet it can spread via longhorn beetles, causing pine trees to wither and die within 2-3 months. The annual forestry losses in China due to this pest amount to billions of yuan.
• Red imported fire antThis "aggressive little guy" is highly combative and can trigger anaphylactic shock after biting humans or livestock. They also damage electrical facilities and disrupt agricultural production.
• Khapra beetleThis "grain thief" specializes in wreaking havoc on stored grains, sometimes causing losses as high as 75%. Its larvae are particularly voracious and have the bad habit of pulverizing food.

The "Iron Wall" of Customs: How to Intercept These Dangerous Elements?

As foreign trade practitioners, we must understand customs prevention and control measures to better cooperate and avoid unnecessary losses.

Port Inspection: Keen Eyes Spot Disguises

Customs inspectors are like "gatekeepers of the nation," equipped with advanced detection equipment:

• X-ray machines, CT scanners, and other imaging devices
• The keen sense of smell of quarantine dogs
• Rapid molecular biology detection technology

I remember last year, a batch of Southeast Asian fruits we represented was found to contain hidden Mediterranean fruit flies through quarantine dogs, preventing the outbreak in time.

Risk Monitoring: Weaving a Tight Net

Customs has set up monitoring points in key areas:

• Traps installed around airports
• Monitoring sample plots established in port cargo yards
• Regular pest surveys conducted

This monitoring system acts like an invisible net, leaving no hiding place for pests.

Public Education: Building a Collective Defense Line

Customs raises public awareness through various channels:

• Distributing brochures at ports
• Carry out the "National Biosecurity Awareness Campaign in Schools"
• Posting warning cases on social media

As foreign trade enterprises, we should also strengthen employee training to enhance prevention awareness.

Foreign Trade Enterprise Prevention Guide: These Red Lines Must Not Be Crossed

Based on years of experience, I offer some suggestions to fellow traders:

• Before import: Thoroughly understand the epidemic situation in exporting countries and request official quarantine certificates from suppliers
• During transportation: Choose formal logistics channels and avoid using wooden packaging materials
• During customs clearance: Declare truthfully and cooperate with customs inspections
• During warehousing: Implement epidemic prevention measures and conduct regular cargo inspections

I remember in 2019, a competitor concealed a batch of gardening products carrying red imported fire ants, resulting not only in cargo destruction but also heavy fines - the gains didnt outweigh the losses.

Conclusion: Safeguarding National Border Security is an Unshirkable Responsibility for Foreign Traders

In this era of globalization with frequent international trade, quarantine pest prevention is particularly crucial. As foreign trade practitioners, we are both beneficiaries of economic globalization and guardians of biosecurity.

Lets join hands to build an impregnable defense against pest invasion. Remember: one act of complacency may cause irreversible ecological damage, while strict compliance with quarantine regulations demonstrates responsibility to both the nation and our enterprises.

Next time you're preparing to import a shipment, it's worth asking: Could this cargo become a "free ride" for pests? This vigilance is our best contribution as foreign trade professionals to the nation's ecological security.