News » 06.07.2026 - Legal action against illegal growers and their importers continue across Europe
In the past month, enforcement actions against growers illegally propagating protected rose varieties, as well as their importers and buyers continue increasing both in scope as well as quantity.
Custom agencies across Europe including Netherlands, Spain, Italy and others have worked hand in hand with Ecuadorian authorities in order to bring full traceability and ensure compliance throughout the international rose trade.
The European Union is collaborating directly with countries such as Ecuador to prevent roses produced in violation of plant breeders' rights from entering European markets. Plant Breeders, who devote years, sometimes more than a decade to produce varieties that meet evolving market requirements for quality, performance, and sustainability – are losing financial motivation due to growers illegally propagating their varieties without obtaining a royalty. In the long term this stifles innovation and weakens the industry's long-term competitiveness. Luckily international support is helping to protect the integrity of the market, not only by holding to account the growers who skirt the law, but also the importers that take advantage of the situation by paying less than fair market prices for these flowers.
The enforcement process begins before the flowers leave Ecuador. Through cooperation between Ecuadorian and European authorities, shipments suspected of containing unauthorized flowers can be identified and inspected upon arrival in Europe. Inspectors begin searching for the cargo that lacks the required licenses. When found the flowers are seized. The cost of destruction of the material is only the tip of the iceberg for those working with these growers. Economic and legal sanctions quickly follow for the buyers of the illegal flowers.
Protecting intellectual property within the floral industry benefits the entire supply chain. Encouraging continued investment in breeding, supporting higher quality flowers, and promoting fair competition around the world.
In Ecuador, the rose industry is one of the country's most important sources of employment for women, providing stable employment, economic opportunity, and supporting thousands of families as they help produce some of the world's finest roses. By supporting farms that respect plant breeders' rights and operate transparently, buyers contribute not only to innovation, but also to a more sustainable and ethical global flower industry.
Source: www.floraldaily.com
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