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AQIS says 'declare Easter gifts'
11 April 2006
AQIS 20606NESB
Seemingly innocent Easter gifts, such as decorated eggs, bird products and Easter baskets, could continue to pose serious quarantine risks to Australia this Easter period. These items can carry pest and diseases, including bird flu (H5N1) disease that could devastate our environment, agriculture and tourism industries causing billions of dollars of damage.
The outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) in many countries around the world underscores the importance of Australia’s strict inspection regime, especially during the Easter period when bird products such as painted and blown bird eggs are a common Easter gift.
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Quarantine Matters! Campaign Manager, Jacquie Travia, has reminded travellers to acquaint themselves with Australia’s quarantine regulations and declare risk items during the Christian gift-giving season of Easter and throughout the year.
“I urge all people to declare on their incoming passenger card all food, plant and animal products. AQIS screens all luggage and the penalties for not declaring (up to A$66,000) are simply not worth the risk,” Ms Travia said.
During the Easter holiday period AQIS officers seize many restricted items such as bird eggs that are painted and blown, egg cartons, Easter baskets, feathers, cooked lamb, food items, tea, conifer, nests made of: dried plant material, such as grape vine and straw.
Many of these quarantine risk items are also mailed to Australia. AQIS screens 100% of all international mail sent to Australia and mail containing any food, plant or animal product is opened and inspected. Depending on the quarantine risk the item may be:
- released – after inspection
- treated – at your expense; or
- destroyed – under quarantine supervision.
“It is essential that people inform their friends and relatives overseas about our strict quarantine laws and to honestly list all items in the parcel on the declaration label. It is also worth asking them to consider sending alternative gifts that do not pose a quarantine risk,” Ms Travia said.
To find more information about Australian quarantine regulations simply:
- visit www.aqis.gov.au; or
- contact your travel agent for a free copy of the brochures What Can't I Take Into Australia? and What Can’t Be Mailed To Australia? bothavailable in 14 different languages.
For more information contact: (Not for publication)
Rebecca Nuss, AQIS Public Relations 02 6272 3097