Australian Biosecurity

Australian Biosecurity Information for people travelling or sending goods to Australia.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has portfolio responsibility for managing Australia's biosecurity system. Keeping Australia free from many of the pests and diseases present in other parts of the world is a shared responsibility. Knowing what you, your friends and family can bring into the country either through the airport or through the mail will help k

eep our environment, agricultural industries and economy safe. Questions posed to this page will be referred to the department's website and feedback form.

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Media inquiries should be directed to 02 6272 3232 or [email protected]
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For queries about what can and can't be sent or brought to Australia, visit http://agriculture.gov.au/travelling.

Biosecurity officers spotted undeclared leaf hats from Vietnam at Brisbane Airport. These weren’t your average souvenir ...
29/05/2026

Biosecurity officers spotted undeclared leaf hats from Vietnam at Brisbane Airport.

These weren’t your average souvenir — they were made from fresh leaves.

Think ahead and declare all plant and animal materials.

Great farm biosecurity takes commitment, good planning and strong day-to-day practices. 🚜🌾🐏 Ella Matta Pastoral exemplif...
28/05/2026

Great farm biosecurity takes commitment, good planning and strong day-to-day practices. 🚜🌾

🐏 Ella Matta Pastoral exemplified this approach, earning them the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year award in 2025.

Their proactive, on-farm biosecurity measures help protect livestock, land and the wider community, demonstrating how strong practices support Australia’s biosecurity system.💬👇

Animal Health Australia
Plant Health Australia

At the Brisbane North Parcel Facility, our highly trained biosecurity officers are on the frontline—screening internatio...
25/05/2026

At the Brisbane North Parcel Facility, our highly trained biosecurity officers are on the frontline—screening international parcels arriving by mail and air freight using advanced technology, detector dogs and expert judgement.

Their work helps stop harmful pests and diseases at the border, protecting Australia’s environment, agriculture and our way of life. As more people shop online or send goods from overseas, every parcel matters. That’s why all international parcels arriving in Australia are assessed for biosecurity risk, including items such as food, plant material (like seeds and succulents) and animal products.

Before sending or ordering goods from overseas, check what’s allowed and make sure items are declared accurately to avoid delays, extra costs or goods being seized.

Do you know what pootering is? And no, it’s not what you might be thinking!  Pootering is the very real (and very clever...
25/05/2026

Do you know what pootering is? And no, it’s not what you might be thinking!

Pootering is the very real (and very clever) art of collecting insects using a tiny suction device called a pooter, and thanks to our first Indigenous Rangers Biosecurity Masterclass held in Darwin recently, 25 rangers now not only know what pootering is… they’re proper pootering pros! 💨🪲

The unique practise helps entomologists and on‑Country teams safely collect insects without harming them — a crucial step in detecting new plant pests or exotic invasive insects early, because the sooner we spot a threat, the faster we can act to protect Australia’s environment, agriculture and way of life. 🌱🛡️

And the best part? You can help too! If you’re pottering (not pootering!) in your garden or out on a stroll and you see an unusual bug, plant or a sick animal, report anything that doesn’t look quite right.

Early detection starts with all of us, because Australia is worth protecting.

Strong partnerships keep Australia’s animals healthy 🐄🐑🐓DAFF and Animal Health Australia are key strategic partners in A...
22/05/2026

Strong partnerships keep Australia’s animals healthy 🐄🐑🐓

DAFF and Animal Health Australia are key strategic partners in Australia’s animal health system. Together, we work closely with governments and industry to protect Australia from animal diseases—through coordinated surveillance, preparedness and biosecurity response activities.

AHA and DAFF’s latest Animal Health in Australia System Report and Annual Report 2025 bring it all together - explaining how Australian government and industry groups work together to deliver a nationally coordinated animal health system. The reports highlight key achievements, disease investigations, and how we’re preparing for emerging threats like H5 bird flu.

These reports show how working together helps protect farms, support jobs and keep Australia’s animal products trusted around the world. 🌏

22/05/2026

Caring for Country and protecting Australia’s borders go hand in hand.

The department has partnered with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council to co‑design the Biosecurity On Country Program, recognising that protecting Australia is strongest when it is done together. Built on shared knowledge, mutual respect and strong community relationships, the program brings cultural knowledge and biosecurity practice side by side to strengthen how we protect Country.

The Biosecurity On Country Program creates a pathway into the biosecurity workforce that is grounded in connection to Country and real‑world capability. By valuing cultural knowledge and working in genuine partnership, the program strengthens First Nations participation while also building a more capable, culturally informed biosecurity workforce for Australia.

AH&MRC of NSW

A traveller failed to declare pork meat floss cakes.Our X-rays caught them, and they were given a $3,960 penalty! 😲To av...
22/05/2026

A traveller failed to declare pork meat floss cakes.

Our X-rays caught them, and they were given a $3,960 penalty! 😲

To avoid penalties, prosecution and visa cancellation, declare all goods.

21/05/2026

Nominations for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards are open.

The First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity recognises significant contributions to biosecurity and exceptional commitment to protecting Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases.

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council, winners of the 2025 award, were recognised for their locally led programs that help protect Country, culture and community. 🤝

Their work demonstrates the strength of First Nations leadership in delivering effective, community-driven biosecurity outcomes across the Torres Strait. 💬👇

Address

Canberra, ACT

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+611800900090

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