Alerts

As of 13 September 2023, the department will be grouping import conditions for fresh etrogs and fresh cut foliage for ceremonial purposes into a single BICON case titled ‘Fresh fruit and foliage for ceremonial purposes’.

The purpose of this is to assist importers locating import conditions for fresh cut myrtle (Myrtus spp.), willow (Salix spp.) and date palm leaves/fronds (Arecaceae), and fresh etrog fruit, for ceremonial purposes.

New inspection limit for etrogs as passenger baggage:
From 13 September 2023 the department is placing a limit of 6 etrogs per passenger.

If a passenger is carrying more than 6 etrogs, the fruit must be sent from the airport via commercial courier to a Class 2.4 approved arrangement site for inspection. The passenger is responsible for organising and paying for courier, approved arrangement site and departmental inspection. The department recommends importers use a customs broker to help with these steps.

To minimise delays, additional costs, and to prevent your goods being destroyed, the department encourages international passengers not to bring more than 6 etrogs per person as passenger baggage.

If travelling, declare it and present the entire amount to a biosecurity officer for inspection when you arrive in Australia.

Background:
Etrogs are a host of exotic pests and diseases that could devastate our citrus industries. Setting a limit will allow airport staff to appropriately manage the risk of pests and diseases arriving in fruit carried by passengers.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of fresh etrogs and fresh cut myrtle, willow and date palm leaves/fronds, freight forwarders, brokers, biosecurity industry participants who hold an approved arrangement, Pathway Operations – Air & Sea Travellers and Detector Dog handlers, Pathway Operations – Cargo Operations (Inspection, Assessment and Client Contact Group).

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or via email at imports@aff.gov.au.