Purpose: To provide a professional understanding of how customs authorities inspect shipments of agarwood and other CITES-listed plant products, and the procedures for handling non-compliance or illegal trade.
A. Customs Inspection Process
- Document Verification:
- Confirm CITES permits, certificates, and source codes
- Cross-check commercial invoices and packing lists
- Physical Inspection:
- Examine product for species identification and consistency with documentation
- Assess quantity, packaging, and labeling
- Risk Profiling:
- Focus on high-risk shipments based on origin, value, or past compliance records
- Coordination:
- Customs may work with forestry, agriculture, and other enforcement authorities for technical verification
B. Seizures and Enforcement Actions
- Triggers for Seizure:
- Missing or incorrect CITES permits
- Misdeclared species, parts, or quantities
- Violation of quotas or source code regulations
- Seizure Procedures:
- Temporary detention pending investigation
- Confiscation of goods if non-compliance confirmed
- Legal actions including fines, trade suspension, or criminal prosecution
Professional Insight: Seizures are not only punitive but also protect wild populations and ensure market integrity.
C. Documentation and Reporting
- All inspections and seizures must be recorded and reported to the Management Authority
- Maintain audit trail linking shipment, permits, CoC, and inspection findings
- Provide information for CITES Secretariat notifications and inter-agency follow-up
D. Practical Recommendations
- Ensure all shipments have accurate permits, invoices, packing lists, and source codes
- Conduct internal pre-shipment inspections to minimize risk
- Train staff to handle inspections professionally and respond to queries from authorities
- Implement traceable CoC systems to support compliance during inspections
Learning Outputs
- Understanding of customs inspection procedures for CITES-listed plant products
- Awareness of triggers for seizure and enforcement actions
- Ability to prepare shipments to meet regulatory requirements and reduce inspection risk
- Knowledge of documentation and reporting requirements for compliance