APHIS WARNS HEFTY PENALTIES FOR AGRICULTURAL SHIPPING VIOLATIONS

APHIS WARNS HEFTY PENALTIES FOR AGRICULTURAL SHIPPING VIOLATIONS    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service warned shippers that violations of the nation’s agricultural laws could result in significantly increased civil penalties.
   APHIS has the authority to impose penalties for shipping violations under the 2000 Plant Protection Act and the recently enacted 2002 Farm Bill.
   Any shipper that violates these laws can now be fined up to $250,000 per violation and more than $500,000 per adjudication. Smugglers face fines of up to $250,000 per violation or twice the gross financial loss or gain caused by the violation. Prior to the passage of these two laws, the maximum penalty was $1,000 per violation.
   “USDA does not tolerate smuggling or any activities that put American agriculture at risk,” said Bobby R. Accord, APHIS administrator. “These authorities strengthen our regulations, and smugglers will now pay harsh penalties.”
   The maximum $250,000 penalty covers:
   * Failure to comply with quarantine holds and inspection requirements, improper removal.
   * Improper removal or handling of regulated garbage with or without a compliance agreement.
   * Violations of any domestic quarantines.