An investigation by The Guardian newspaper has shown that Amazon and eBay are operating illegally by hosting links to traders who import banned invasive species into the UK. A report from the National Farmers Union (NFU) found that more than half of all UK plants imported for sale on eBay, including many exotic plants, were being sold without a licence. However, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has ranked invasive species as a greater risk to biodiversity than the trade in animal parts. In February of this year, the CBD claimed that an “urgent need” existed to control the online trade in such species. The Guardian found that at least three varieties of aquatic weed which have been banned due to their negative effect on native rivers and waterways were available for purchase through the two companies.
An investigation by The Guardian newspaper has shown that Amazon and eBay are operating illegally by hosting links to traders who import banned invasive species into the UK. Both companies have hosted ivory shippers in the past. However, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has ranked invasive species as a greater risk to biodiversity than the trade in animal parts. In February of this year, the CBD claimed that an “urgent need” existed to control the online trade in such species. The Guardian found that at least three varieties of aquatic weed which have been banned due to their negative effect on native rivers and waterways were available for purchase through the two companies.