Australia makes a new move on passengers with undeclared food

International students, visitors, and temporary work visa holders should be careful about what they bring with them when they arrive in Australia. The Australian government has passed the legislation that allows levying heavy fines of up to $2,664 along with canceling visas for not declaring banned food items they have brought with them.

The new rule will be in effect from January 2021. For what they see as an offense, the biosecurity officers can issue infringement notices for the fine amount. The specific food items that are banned across the border are considered unsafe due to the threat to bring in harmful pests and infectious diseases into the country.

Biosecurity Amendment Bill 2020
Motive
Support Australia’s environment, Australians’ health, and the competitiveness of the country’s agricultural industries.
Banned foods
Certain foreign foods, animal products, and plants
Penalties
Currently, 2 penalty units coming to $444 at first points of entry to the country. Under the new rule, 12 penalty units coming to $2664 depending on the goods undeclared. Under the new rule, the Director of Biosecurity can determine which goods and goods categories pose a high risk for biosecurity, which can cause the carrier higher penalties.
Who are under check?
Current	New rule
Visa cancellations for visitor visa holders who bring along banned items undeclared.	Temporary work visa holders and student visa holders included from January 2021.

Declare if you got these!

Beans Peas Fruits Popping Corn Nutsraw Unroasted Nuts Milk Whole Salmon and trout sand Uncanned meat and all pork products Fresh Fruit and vegetable soil Biological Materials Straw Live animals Eggs Seeds Cereal Plants Wool

The factors that authorities consider before canceling a temporary visa on the grounds of biosecurity include:

• The seriousness of the breach
• The individual circumstances of the traveler
• The impact on Australian agriculture and business

The passengers coming to Australia must declare the items in their luggage in an Incoming Passenger Card. This will be provided on the aircraft or the cruise.

The declared goods will then be taken to the clearance point. There they will be assessed by a biosecurity officer. He will inspect it for assessment.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Australia, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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