Please find below answers to some commonly asked Quarantine questions when entering into Australian waters.
If you have any other inquires refer to the contact list below
Australian Quarantine and Inspection services Bundaberg www.aqis.gov.au
Aimee Scutter
Quarantine officer
(w) (07) 4151-1702
(m) 0428-741-005
Aimee.scutter@aqis.gov.au
What can I bring to Australia on my yacht and what do I need to declare?
Australia has very strict laws relating to the importation and/or possession of certain goods. AQIS screens every yacht entering into Australia. This ensures that the quarantine risk to Australia's agricultural industries and unique environment is minimised.
You must declare for inspection all food, plant material and animal products on arrival in Australia to ensure they are free of pests and diseases. Please make available for inspection all wooden carvings, jewellery, shells, woven baskets, bicycles and souvenirs containing feathers or dried flowers.
When you declare these items they will be checked by a Quarantine officer who will determine whether they are allowed into Australia.
Some products may require treatment to make them safe. Other items may be restricted due to pest and disease risks and will be seized and destroyed by AQIS.
What are Australia requirements with the application of antifouling paint before I arrive?
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection services have introduced the world’s first biofouling protocols as part of a national project to keep marine pests out of Australian waters.
Biofouling refers to the marine organisms that attach themselves to the hull and ancillary gear of yachts. Recent incursions of invasive marine species into Australia, notably the Black Striped Mussel into Darwin and the Asian Green Mussel into Cairns, are believed to have been the result of small vessel biofouling.
To meet Australia’s biofouling requirements, vessel’s hulls and ancillary gear must be cleaned before leaving your last port of call and be clean on arrival in Australian waters. Documentary evidence of cleaning or maintenance performed will be requested by AQIS to assist in assessing the condition of each vessel.
Recommended cleaning practises include:
1. Cleaning the vessel’s hull within one month prior to arrival; or
2. Applying antifouling paint within one year prior to arrival; or
3. Booking the vessel to be hauled out and cleaned within one week after arrival.
Note: In water cleaning of internationally plying vessels in Australian waters is not permitted
What is the procedure and costs involved in importing my dog/cat to Australia?
Conditions for importing dogs and cats vary depending on the country of origin. However, all animals entering Australia require an import permit, issued by AQIS. To obtain an import permit, an application to import your pet must be completed and returned to the quarantine station of your choice. Your application must include your pet’s microchip number. The import permit contains Veterinary Certificate A and B which must be completed and endorsed by an official veterinarian in the country of export prior to the arrival of your pet in Australia.
The owner/importer must pay all quarantine fees associated with the import and quarantine accommodation of your dog or cat in Australia.
For further information go to www.aqis.gov.au and follow the links on the home page to ‘Importing cats/dogs to Australia’.