AQIS officers Stan Dean and Eddie Paraiso detected a potentially serious breach of our biosecurity controls at Melbourne airport recently when X-raying and inspecting a passenger's luggage.

Twenty undeclared poultry eggs were found neatly stored in the luggage of Mr Evengi Podolyan. The eggs were clearly detectable on X-ray with a follow-up inspection revealing the cache.

Poultry eggs, along with birds, poultry meat and poultry products can carry serious diseases, including bird flu (avian influenza), exotic strains of Newcastle disease, and infectious bursal disease which can devastate Australia's poultry industry and harm native bird populations.

The Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) clearly states that you must declare these items. The IPC is a legal document and you must tick YES to declare if you are carrying any food, plant material or animal products.

You will not be penalised if goods are declared. If you do not declare, you could be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $66,000 or 10 years imprisonment which may result in a criminal record.

Mr Podolyan did not declare the poultry eggs and subsequently made a false statement when he was referred to a Customs officer.

Appearing before the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court, Mr Podolyan pleaded guilty to importing goods in contravention of s 67(1) of the Quarantine Act 1908 and fined $950, and intentionally making a false or misleading statement contrary to s 234(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1901 and fined $500. Additionally he was required to pay all court costs of $1,096.

Remember—declare or beware!