PART 5Enforcement
Proof of lawful import or export29
1
Where a relevant organism is being imported or exported, or has been imported or brought to a place for the purpose of being exported, a designated customs official who suspects that the relevant organism is a specimen may require a person possessing or having control, or appearing to possess or have control, of that relevant organism to furnish relevant proof.
2
Until relevant proof is provided to the satisfaction of the designated customs official, the designated customs official may detain the relevant organism for not more than five working days.
3
Any relevant organism detained under this article may, if the designated customs official considers it appropriate, be transferred to an enforcement officer, who may hold the relevant organism for a period not longer than the remainder of the detention period referred to in paragraph (2).
4
A relevant organism held by an enforcement officer under paragraph (3) must be held in contained holding.
5
In this article, and in article 30, “relevant proof” in relation to the importation or exportation of a relevant organism, means proof—
a
that the relevant organism is not a specimen; or
b
that such importation or exportation (as the case may be) is or was authorised by a permit or a licence, or (if it would otherwise be unlawful) is lawful by virtue of a defence under articles 15 to 18.