Blacklist awaits carriers of banned species

People who attempt to carry prohibited plants and animals into China via Shanghai now run the risk of being added to a credit blacklist that can make it difficult to apply for jobs, loans or public welfare.

Travelers caught with alien species twice in 12 months will be blacklisted for a year, while those who intentionally hide such contraband to evade quarantine face an automatic penalty, even for a first offense, under new rules.

"Severe violators may be held criminally liable," the Shanghai government's information office said in a post on Sina Weibo to promote the revised rules, which come into effect on Jan 1.