9 January 2025
Who does this notice affect?
Industry stakeholders including importers, approved arrangements, freight forwarders and brokers that deal with imported cut flowers and foliage.
What has changed?
Consignments of fresh cut flowers and foliage found to be infested with live insect pests have the option to be directed for onshore fumigation and release prior to pest identification by an entomologist during select peak periods and holidays in 2025.
During the following peak periods, voluntary fumigation is available as an option from 14:30 on Friday afternoons, Saturday, and Sunday only. Please note that voluntary fumigation is not available outside of these specified times:
- Valentine’s Day (24 January – 14 February)
- Mother’s Day (18 April – 11 May)
Voluntary fumigation is also available in 2025 at any time during the following select holiday periods:
- Easter (from 14:30 17 April – 21 April)
- Christmas (from 14:30 24 Dec 2025 – 1 Jan 2026).
Exclusions
The following consignments of fresh cut flowers and foliage are excluded from the above arrangements, and must not be directed for fumigation prior to identification by an entomologist:
- Any consignments with snails or slugs.
- Any consignments with disease symptoms.
- Any consignments with suspected high priority pest.
These consignments must wait for identification during the next available business hours.
Booking overtime
To assist the department in managing resource demand during these peak periods, the person in charge of the goods can request an overtime booking to secure an assessment of the record of fumigation and final release. Cut-off times to receive overtime bookings apply and there may be times when overtime requests are unable to be serviced.
Overtime charges will apply, as per fees specified in the Charging Guidelines.
Further information
Enquiries regarding the arrangements for clearance of Fresh Cut Flowers and Foliage consignments during defined import periods can be directed to Plant Import Operations. Please include “T2 – Overtime or OT” in the subject line or call on 1800 900 090.