What you can't bring ashore

Australia's remoteness has created an environment unlike any other on earth. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) helps protect it. Food, souvenirs, plant material and animal products have the potential to introduce serious pests and diseases into Australia.

What is the risk to Australia?

Increased international traffic has heightened the risk of introducing exotic pests and diseases to Australia. Rabies, foot and mouth disease, African swine fever, screw worm fly, Newcastle disease or avian flu could be introduced by infected animals or in food purchased overseas or from trading with overseas vessels.

What do I need to declare?

• Dairy products—other than those from New Zealand.
• Eggs—and products containing eggs.
• Live plants, animals or insects.
• Meat and meat products—all uncanned meat including fresh, dried, frozen, smoked, salted or preserved.
• Seeds and nuts—cereal grains, popping corn, raw nuts, pine cones, bird seed, unidentified seeds, herbs, some commercially packaged seeds and ornaments including seeds.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables—including all fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables.
• Handcrafts and souvenirs that contain or are made from seeds. Anything made of wood, including painted or lacquered items, could harbour wood-boring insects.
• Salmon and trout products—special import conditions may apply.
• Birds, feathers or poultry products.
• Shells and coral—Queen Conch and giant African snail shells are restricted.

AQIS requirements—what you need to do

• Do not throw garbage or foodstuffs overboard while you are in Australian waters. Follow approved quarantine disposal arrangements.
• Keep all food and animals secured until an AQIS officer has inspected your vessel.
• Do not trade foodstuffs with other overseas vessels.
• Keep you vessel free of rodents, timber borers and insects, especially mosquitoes.
• Declare and present all food, plant material and animal products including souvenirs made from animal and plant material.
• Declare and present shoes used in rural areas and sporting/camping equipment.
• Declare and present all items used in freshwater streams or lakes, including used fishing equipment and freshwater watercraft.

More information

Website
Phone: 1800 020 504 (free call in Australia)
Email