Australia is one of the few countries in the world that is free of the most serious pests and diseases. Australia's reputation as an exporter of high quality, clean agricultural produce depends largely on the absence of these blights. The introduction of exotic pests and diseases could have serious environmental and economic consequences for Australia.
Wheat crop in Victoria (Carolyn Johns, Tourism Australia)
To protect human health and Australia's agriculture and tourism industries as well as its unique environment, Australia has stringent quarantine requirements.
All people, mail, cargo and vessels are screened before entering the country.
Travellers to Australia must declare anything made from plants or animals, including meat, dairy or other animal products, wooden articles, fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts and live animals. The penalties for breaching Australia's quarantine laws include hefty fines or imprisonment.