Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has amended the import conditions for Cannabis spp. nursery stock to align with the conditions in place for other high risk nursery stock permitted entry into Australia.

The case has been updated to clarify that:

• Rooted cuttings may be imported with foliage.
• Plant material may be imported established in growth plugs made of inert material. Growth plugs are subject to inspection by a biosecurity officer to verify that the growth plug is comprised only of inert material and is not contaminated or infested.
• Packaging must be clean, new, secure, rigid and insect proof.
• Plant material must be labelled with botanical names (genus and species).
• Cannabis spp. nursery stock must be imported via air freight only.
• Importers must submit a notice of importation for nursery stock to the DAFF Mickleham post-entry quarantine facility prior to the goods arriving in Australia.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Cannabis spp. nursery stock, brokers, and department staff.

Permit variations:
Import permits for Cannabis cuttings will be varied to reflect the changes, at no cost to permit holders. The department will contact affected permit holders regarding these variations.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or by email imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant T2 – Cannabis nursery stock).