As part of efforts to safeguard national biosecurity, a Chinese court has, for the first time, adjudicated on the illegal introduction of invasive species.

On Oct 21, 2022, customs officers at the Gongbei Customs in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong province, discovered a large quantity of live turtle species during a routine inspection of inbound vehicles at the port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. 

Upon professional assessment, it was determined that among the live turtles seized, 1,760 were identified as Brazilian red-eared sliders, a globally recognized ecological threat included in China's list of invasive alien species under key management.

The court handling the case ruled that the defendant surnamed Yi had illegally imported 1,760 Brazilian red-eared sliders, constituting a significant quantity valued at 88,000 yuan ($12,121). Given the substantial nature of the offense, the court deemed the behavior as "severely egregious," establishing a case of illegal introduction of invasive alien species. 

This landmark case marks a crucial step in the judicial efforts to combat the introduction of invasive alien species. It has contributed valuable legal experiences, filled gaps in relevant adjudication regulations, and bolstered the authority of the law. It serves as a tangible manifestation of judicial efforts in protecting biodiversity and upholding national ecological security.

The judgment raises public awareness of the liabilities associated with such illegal activities, enhancing the public's ability to identify such species and prevent their spread, thereby improving social and national governance.

Invasive alien species refer to organisms that establish themselves in a new environment and pose threats or harm to ecosystems, habitats and species, impacting China's ecological environment and jeopardizing the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries. 

China's list of invasive alien species under key management includes 59 species known for the severity of potential harm, rapid spread, challenges in control and management, and diverse forms of damage.