Pests, diseases and weeds can spread from one part of Australia to another through the movement of: plants or plant products; animals or animal products; soil; agricultural machinery and recreational equipment.
The costs
The introduction of a pest or disease into a production area can result in expensive controls being implemented and loss of markets, which can cost industries and the community millions of dollars.
The rules
The biosecurity legislation of each state and territory of Australia applies restrictions on the movement of items to prevent the spread of pests and diseases between states and to protect the environment and valuable agricultural markets.
About interstate quarantine
Pests, diseases and weeds can travel with you as you visit different areas of Australia.
There are restrictions on what you can take as you cross state and quarantine borders within Australia. Following the rules about moving these items will help to minimise the risk to Australia’s unique environments and valuable agricultural markets.
Travellers face on-the-spot fines for taking prohibited items across borders.
Find out the latest information on regional outbreaks, changes to interstate certification arrangements, and updates to rules applying to carrying items when travelling interstate.