Customs authorities in the Netherlands and Belgium intercepted thousands of illegally imported roses at Schiphol Airport and Brussels Airport. The shipments, originating from Ecuador, were destined for the Netherlands, Croatia, and other countries. The roses came from growers who lacked the required licences and plant breeders’ rights certificates, making their cultivation and trade an infringement of intellectual property law.
Acting Quickly
Shortly before several flights from Ecuador were due to land, Dutch Customs received a tip-off about suspected illegal rose imports. The alert was filed by a representative acting on behalf of multiple plant breeders’ rights holders.
Upon receiving the report, authorities identified that the flights were heading to airports in the Netherlands and Belgium. Dutch Customs immediately shared a risk signal with their Belgian counterparts. Given the short shelf life of cut roses and the imminent arrival of the flights, speed was critical.
Thousands of Roses
The coordinated operation resulted in the following:
- More than 4,400 roses seized at Schiphol Airport
- 1,600 roses seized at Brussels Airport
Customs authorities notified the rights holders, the licensed breeders, of the finds. The breeders subsequently took legal action against the importers. All intercepted roses were ultimately destroyed.
Intellectual Property Rights
Roses and other plant varieties can be protected under plant breeders’ rights, which fall within the broader framework of intellectual property law. Such protection means that certain varieties may not be propagated, reproduced, or imported without the authorisation of the rights holder. These rights are designed to safeguard quality, fair trade, and sustainability within the ornamental flower sector.
Source: Customs
