Summary of this article
Actress fined for carrying Gajra at Melbourne airport
Global plant import laws demand permits, declarations, inspections
Travellers must research and follow regulations to avoid penalties
Malayalam actress Navya Nair was fined Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne International Airport for carrying a 15-centimetre jasmine string during her visit to Australia for the Onam celebrations. She had worn one jasmine string during her flight from Kochi to Singapore and kept another in her handbag for the onward journey.
Customs officials at Melbourne deemed this as a violation of Australia’s strict biosecurity laws and issued the penalty. Navya Nair stated she was unaware of the specific regulations and agreed to pay the fine.
Australia’s Biosecurity Laws on Plant Imports
Australia enforces some of the most rigorous and uncompromising biosecurity regulations worldwide to protect its unique ecosystem and vital agricultural sectors from potential disease and pest infestation.
Importing any plant material, including flowers, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and soil, is highly restricted. Travellers are legally obligated to declare all such items upon arrival. These goods undergo intense inspection by biosecurity authorities. Many plant products demand stringent permits, official certifications, and mandatory treatments to qualify for legal entry into Australia. Any unauthorised or undeclared plant goods face confiscation along with substantial fines or other harsh penalties.
Plant Import Regulations Worldwide
Many other nations, including the US, India, New Zealand and members of the European Union enforce such strict regulations on import of fruits, vegetables and soil.
These regulations aim to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases that could threaten local plant life and agriculture. Common requirements include:
Phytosanitary certificates issued by inspection authorities certifying that plants or plant products are free from quarantine pests and diseases.
Import permits or licenses, often specific to the type of plant material, purpose, and destination.
Obligatory treatment or quarantine procedures either before shipment or on arrival.
Mandatory customs declarations listing all plant materials.
Countries also regulate the transit of such goods, requiring transit permits to ensure continuous oversight. Non-compliance usually leads to fines, confiscation, or refusal of entry.
International Phytosanitary Standards
International standards for plant imports are generally structured around guidelines set by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), which many countries adhere to. These guidelines encourage a systems-based approach to phytosanitary risk management, incorporating inspections, treatments, and quarantines at various stages, pre-shipment, in transit, at entry, and post-entry. Countries use scientific risk assessments to determine appropriate regulatory measures and ensure that plant imports do not pose unacceptable risks.
Advice for Travellers
Plant import laws vary considerably across countries, and travellers must thoroughly research about their destination’s regulations before starting on their journey. Here are some essential points to remember:
Always declare any plant or flower materials on arrival.
Secure necessary permits and phytosanitary certificates if carrying commercial quantities or restricted products.
Refrain from carrying seeds, flowers, or soil unless absolutely certain of legality.
Recognise that biosecurity laws apply equally to both natural and processed plant products.
Non-adherence may result in heavy fines, confiscation, and travel delays.
Being aware of and following these rules will help prevent unintended violations, while also supporting the protection of global biodiversity.
