Alerts

The department is reducing the maximum weight of fresh mustard stick and fresh betel leaves (Piper betel) allowed for inspection at airports, seaports and mail centres, from 2kg to 500grams.

From 3 August 2023, individuals importing mustard stick or betel leaves as passenger baggage (through airports and seaports), which exceed 500grams (net weight), are responsible for organising inspection of goods at an approved arrangement facility (Class 2.4 Approved Arrangement or Class 20.0 department regional office) before they can be released. Alternatively, the options of export or disposal will be available for part of, or the whole commodity.

Mail consignments over 500g will be exported or destroyed.

The importer of the goods will also be responsible for paying the associated fees for this inspection.

Importers can use a customs broker to help with these steps.

To minimise delays, additional costs, and to prevent your goods being destroyed, don’t bring or mail quantities weighing more than 500grams. If travelling, declare it and present the entire amount to a biosecurity officer for inspection when you arrive in Australia. If mailing, pack the goods in clean, new and secure packaging and complete the postal declaration label accurately for inspection.

This change DOES NOT apply to betel nut (fruit of the areca palm Areca catechu).

Who does this notice affect:
Importers (including airline staff and passengers and/or sea travellers) of fresh mustard stick and fresh betel leaf (Piper betel), freight forwarders, brokers, biosecurity industry participants who hold an approved arrangement, Pathway Operations – Air & Sea Travellers and Detector Dog handlers, Pathway Operations - Mail, Gateway Facilities, 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.