In the Republic of Cyprus, criminal liability for smuggling animals from the “occupied territories” has been tightened

The Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus has approved a package of strict legislative amendments aimed at dramatically strengthening the punishment for the illegal import of animals, meat and dairy products through the “green line” from the northern part of the island. This decision was made amid a growing number of cases of the illicit transport of livestock and pets bypassing the established veterinary and customs checkpoints. The authorities emphasize that uncontrolled traffic creates unprecedented risks for the region’s biosecurity and poses a threat to the local agro-industrial sector.

Under the new law, recorded cases of smuggling are now classified as serious criminal offenses rather than minor administrative violations, as was the case before. Offenders face substantial fines, confiscation of the vehicles used for transport, and in the event of repeated violations or large consignments — actual prison terms. In addition, the new rules give supervisory authorities the right to immediately seize and place under strict quarantine any animals that do not have official European-style veterinary certificates and registration microchips.

The State Veterinary Service and the Customs Department have already announced increased patrols along the entire buffer zone and the creation of additional mobile response teams. Experts note that the tough measures are designed not only to curb the shadow business, but also to protect the domestic market from the spread of dangerous infectious diseases capable of paralyzing the island’s livestock industry. The official text of the bill, with a detailed list of fines and new rules for property confiscation, has been published in the government gazette and has entered into force.