Quarantine in Australia

Quarantine laws, the white and the black list discussions have been topical lately with all the revisions pending that will change the ground rules in exporting and importing seeds and plants. Australian Quarantine laws have always been tight and have been upgraded consistently over the past few years. These laws are necessary and we must stop to consider the serious implications that could occur if the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) did not administer and control the sudden rush of imports into the country.

Here is an extract of an article posted on the AQIS website:"Imagine surfing the Internet and coming across a great site that offers to mail you the seeds of an exotic plant that would look just fabulous in your garden. You place your order, without realising that you might have taken the first step in the destruction of Australia’s native flora and fauna".

The proliferation of Internet web sites and discussion groups that post plant and animal products anywhere in the world - without regard for quarantine regulations - is a growing problem for Australia. Fortunately the AQIS website has a step-by-step guide for potential importers to follow and every one of us who imports seed should make the effort to check out the seeds we are ordering from overseas sources.

The guidelines are basically set out as follows:

- Check the "Import Conditions Database" section to see if the product you want to import is allowed and the conditions that apply to it.

- Check with your State/Territory Agricultural Department for any special requirements

- Lodge an Import Permit (often a small fee applies) for a species that hasn't previously been imported into Australia. Species already imported into Australia will not require one. You may need an import permit before you import any nursery stock.

- Then, when products arrive they will be inspected and classified according to risk.

If you buy imported seeds that are confiscated, AQIS will send you:

a covering letter;

an action notice;

a risk assessment form;

an AQIS "New Plant Introduction Form".

There are a few ways this matter can be dealt with:

1. Do nothing and the seeds will be destroyed after 30 days

2.Fill in the "New Plant Introduction Form "and return it to AQIS for assessment

3. Send $42.00 Aus. to have the seeds returned to the sender, or, to be treated and held in Quarantine for 30 days.

A warning is also given about the fines that may be incurred for illegal importations and a note to notify the exporter of the risks of sending these seed to Australia.

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