Confiscation and penalties up to USD 1.82M imposed on Guarana farming

Individuals or parties in Malaysia who deliberately planting Guarana trees originated from Brazil can be fined up to USD 1.82 million. This is due to claims that the tree seeds were sold at USD 11.81 per unit and distributed to farmers in Sabah. The ban is stated under Brazilian law (Access and Benefits Sharing of Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge). Brazil allows the export of guarana fruits strictly for processing and human food purposes only.