Changes

Due to the restrictive transport requirements for liquid preservation solutions, the department has reviewed the biosecurity risks of importing preserved specimens in a wet liquid solution. Subsequent changes have been made to the import conditions for specimens preserved in 70-100% alcohol solution (e.g. ethanol). The changes are described below.

Updated Import Conditions for insect and arachnid (excluding bees of the genus Apis) and plant pathogen specimens:

• Specimens preserved in 70-100% alcohol may be drained off prior to export to comply with transport of dangerous goods requirements.
  

• For specimens preserved in 70-100% alcohol solution, the specimens must have been preserved in the solution for a minimum of 24 hours per 5 mm thickness, prior to being drained off for transport.
  

Who does this notice affect:

Importers of preserved specimens for research purposes, Inspections Group and Assessment Services Group.

Further information:

Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au.