I have noticed that most countries really are not that strict with outgoing items, but when you are entering the country then they are strict. They are not just strict with live stuff like plants but all sorts of other items, taxable or illegal.
I know that there are restrictions about export of plant items in my country, but as I mentioned they are really not that strict, unless its in commercial quantities.
On the other hand, as I just came home from a trip to Japan, reading brochures and handouts about quarintine laws, etc. has shown me that the laws are there for a reason, eg. avoiding diseases and pests coming in the country. So it really should also be a big concern for us as well
TTFN
Arvin
ps. just realized this has become OT here, sorry!