Customs inspectors examine the paleontological fossils (Photo by Liu Wei)

Recently, Beilun Customs District subordinate to Ningbo Customs seized a batch of illegally exported paleontological fossils via cargo channel. After identification of the Provincial Committee of Experts on Paleontology Fossils, these 63 goods were confirmed as ammonite fossils.

On the day of the incident, during an inspection of stone ornaments and other goods declared for export by a trading company, Beilun Customs inspectors noticed that some of the goods exhibited distinct spiral shell morphology, significantly differing from ordinary craft ornaments, suggesting they might be paleontological fossils.

"During our documentation review, we found a high number of declared names of this shipment, indicating a great risk of concealed goods." stated a responsible officer from Inspection Section I of Beilun Customs Port Office, "After intensifying the physical inspection, we uncovered 63 suspected paleontological fossils. As exporting such fossils requires approval documents, we immediately initiated the identification procedure."

It is reported that ammonites are marine animal belonging to the Order Ammonoidea of the Class Cephalopoda within the Phylum Mollusca. They first appeared in the early the Devonian period approximately 411-416 million years ago and became extinct by the end of the Cretaceous period 65-70 million years ago. Such fossils are regarded by geologists as "standard" fossils for dating rocks. According to Article 33 of the Regulations on the Protection of Paleontology Fossils, those who transport, mail or carry paleontology fossils out of China must truthfully declare to the Customs and submit the corresponding export approval documents. Customs exercises supervision over the paleontology fossils exporting from China according to law and rigorously combats illegal import-export activities.

At present, the customs has detained this batch of goods, and has contacted the anti-smuggling department for further investigation. The case will be transferred to relevant departments for handling according to regulations.(Reporter Liu Wei, Cheng Baige, Intern Reporter, Ye Shumin, Correspondent, Yu Biyun)