Australian customs plant sample information

Overview

Australian Customs has strict requirements for the importation of plant samples as determined by the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BIOCON). All plant samples will be presented to a biosecurity officer for inspection on arrival in Australia. If you do not prepare your samples, or provide the necessary documentation your samples may be returned or destroyed.

These import conditions will apply to you if you are sending:

• Plant samples that are not whole seed or live plant material

And your samples are: 

• Not infected (or suspected to be infected) with a pathogen and either
• Frozen in liquid nitrogen at -196°C 2, or
• Fully freeze/oven dried. You will need to provide documentary evidence on your company letterhead. Read documentation and permits for more information.

What import conditions apply?

A Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry import permit is not required.

• Your sample shipment must be accompanied by a list of specimens and processing details.
• You will need to provide a suppliers declaration. Read documentation and permits for more information.
• A list of the sample specimens and the details of  the freeze drying process.

Other conditions:

Please be aware of additional conditions when you are sending plant samples to us:

Only small amounts of preserved plant material per species may be imported per consignment. Please read Leaves and leaf sample preparation for more information on how much to send.

Each sample must be sealed in a see-through container (e.g. small zip lock plastic bags) and clearly labelled with the scientific name. All samples must be double bagged and securely contained in a durable, sealed plastic container.

Any packaging used with the consignment must be clean and new.

Your samples must be free of disease symptoms, live insects, contaminant seed, excess soil, and other contamination of biosecurity concern prior to arrival in Australia.

In order to facilitate clearance, airfreight or mail shipments should have all documentation securely attached to the outside of the package, and clearly marked ‘Attention Quarantine’.  Read documentation and permits for more information.

What if my samples are found to have insects or contaminants?

If live insects are found during inspection, your samples will be:

1. held pending identification by a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry entomologist and treated using an appropriate method, or
   1. exported, or
   2. disposed of.

If other contaminants such as soil, weed seeds, sticks, or faecal matter are found on inspection, the consignment must be held, and the contaminants must be removed or treated via a method approved by the department, if possible. Alternatively, the goods must be exported or disposed of.