Images of AGM egg masses seized in Baltimore, source: cbp.gov

According to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection media release, agriculture specialists in Baltimore discovered egg masses belonging to the Asian Gypsy Moths (AGM). The AGM are an invasive pest that threaten US forests and urban landscapes.

Customs claims the AGM can travel up to 25 miles per hour and lay egg masses that produce hundreds of hungry caterpillars that eat and attack over 500 species of trees and plants.

Vessels from Asia entering the US are typically subject to greater inspection to detect and remove the egg masses and vessels departing ports are inspected and certified to be free of AGM or egg masses.

If you have any import, export, trade or compliance questions, contact experienced trade attorney David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, dh@gjatradelaw.com.