Article 44 Powers of an officer of Customs and Excise

An inspector may request an officer of Customs and Excise (either orally or in writing) to prohibit the removal of any plant pest, genetically manipulated material, plant, plant product, agricultural machinery, soil or growing medium which has not been cleared from Customs charge until it has been examined by an inspector and such request may identify the plant pest, genetically manipulated material, plant, plant product, agricultural machinery, soil or growing medium in any way. A request made orally under this paragraph shall be confirmed in writing.

Where a request has been made under paragraph (1) of this article, the officer of Customs and Excise shall, by notice in writing served upon the importer, require that, until the plant pest, genetically manipulated material, plant, plant product, agricultural machinery, soil or growing medium has been examined by an inspector, it shall not be removed from the place specified in the notice and he shall at the same time inform an inspector of the contents of the notice.

An inspector shall, without undue delay, examine any plant pest, genetically manipulated material, plant, plant product, agricultural machinery, soil or growing medium in respect of which a notice has been served by an officer of Customs and Excise under this article and shall advise that officer in writing of the terms of any notice issued and of any other action taken by the inspector in accordance with this Order.

Where an officer of Customs and Excise has served a notice under paragraph (2) of this article prohibiting removal of any plant pest, genetically manipulated material, plant, plant product, agricultural machinery, soil or growing medium, nothing to which the notice relates shall be removed by any person except with the written authority of either the said officer or an inspector.