Sec. 71.053.  INSPECTION OF SHIPMENTS.  (a)  The department shall inspect shipments of nursery products or florist items in this state to determine if the shipments are accompanied by the tags and certificates required by this subchapter and are free of pests or plant diseases.
(b)  If the department finds that a shipment of a nursery product or florist item is diseased or pest-infested, the department shall take action necessary to abate the nuisance and protect the public health and welfare as provided in Section 71.046 of this subchapter.
(c)  If the department finds that a shipment of a nursery product or florist item is not accompanied by a required tag or certificate, the department shall treat the shipment as infected and may destroy or dispose of the shipment as provided in Section 71.046 of this subchapter.
Acts 1981, 67th Leg., p. 1158, ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1981.  Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 230, Sec. 53, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.