Check before placing an order for an animal or plant from overseas or risk falling foul of restrictions, Shanghai's quarantine authorities advised yesterday.
Turtles, frogs, insects and seeds are among banned items found in international parcels recently seized by the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau.
"Succulent plants have become popular among locals this year, and many people bought these online from South Korea without being aware that the seeds are banned in international parcels," said Qiu Wenwei, an official with the international parcel check division of the bureau.
The bureau has intercepted more than 7,200 batches of seeds this year.
Plants brought into the city without going through quarantine process can threaten local species, the bureau said.
Some from overseas contain diseases that affect local plant species, it added.
In March, the bureau found bacteria in oil seed rape from Japan which could threaten about 30 varieties of plants.
Animals are also commonly found in international parcels, the bureau said.
In March, it discovered 2,480 specimens of frogs and insects from overseas, plus 833 turtles that came from Indonesia.
Wang said public awareness of items that are banned in international parcels is low, and advised residents to check the bureau's list of prohibited items before buying online.
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