8 August 2013

Who does this notice affect?

Passengers travelling to Australia and senders and receivers of international mail and air and sea cargo consignments.

What has changed?

The Quarantine Proclamation 1998 has been amended to allow specific low risk items to be imported into Australia provided the items are shelf stable and commercially prepared and packaged.

A scientific risk assessment confirmed that the following items pose a low risk and therefore no longer require an import permit when for the personal use of the importer:

• Meat Jerky/Biltong
• Mooncakes containing egg
• Manufactured articles containing oyster shell (personal and commercial use)

Unless otherwise stated within the import conditions, the limits for personal use are based on the Imported Food Control Act 1992. For specific conditions relating to the above items please refer to the Import Conditions (ICON) Database.

The amendment will allow DAFF officers to spend more time targeting, questioning and identifying passengers or mail articles that may be carrying items that pose a much greater potential risk to Australia's agricultural industry including live animals, plant cuttings, raw meat and seeds.

Further information?

For further information please contact the Operational Projects and Initiatives Program.