Quarantine and the Japanese traveller

Koalas, kangaroos, gum trees…Australia’s native flora and fauna are what make the country unique.

Australia’s unique, clean and green environment is partly due to the vigilance of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and the consideration of travellers.

Pests and diseases found in other countries, but currently not in Australia, could devastate our environment, tourism and agriculture industries if they entered the country.

Pests and diseases can hide in food such as eggs, mayonnaise and fresh egg noodles, animal products such as meat, live plants, and plant products such as timber, seeds and dried flowers.

That is why AQIS asks all travellers to honestly declare if they are carrying any food, plant materials or animal products when they arrive in Australia.

Quarantine officers check the luggage of every passenger coming into Australia by using detector dogs, special x-ray machines that show organic material, and other inspection techniques.

AQIS is serious about protecting Australia. People who do not declare food, plant materials and animal products can be fined $A220 on-the-spot or face prosecution, a fine of more than $A60,000 and imprisonment for serious breaches.

To find out what you can and cannot bring into Australia, see the Japanese information on the AQIS web site www.aqis.gov.au/japanese or get a copy of the brochure What can’t I take into Australia? in Japanese or English from the Australian Embassy in Tokyo.

Please help us protect Australia.