Why did a jasmine 'gajra' cost Malayali actress Rs 1.14 lakh in Australia?

Malayali actress Navya Nair's Onam trip to Australia took an unexpected turn when she was fined a whopping Rs 1.14 lakh at Melbourne International Airport for carrying a mere 15 cm string of jasmine ‘gajra’. The fine, AUD 1,980, was imposed because fresh jasmine flowers are strictly prohibited under Australia's rigorous biosecurity regulations. Navya had travelled to Melbourne to participate in Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria.

Australia's biosecurity list is remarkably extensive, spanning 100 categories with multiple subsections, and it's not just limited to obvious items.

Banned items include:

Fresh or dried flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, raw nuts and seeds, dairy products, traditional sweets like ‘burfi’ and ‘gulab jamun’, rice, tea, homemade food, honey, beeswax, pet food, feathers, bones, skins and even certain traditional medicines made with plant or animal material. Interestingly, the list has specific bans for festivals like Diwali, Lohri and Rakhi — for instance, radish is forbidden for Lohri and Rakhi, though decorated rakhi threads with plastic or metallic beads are allowed. Surprisingly, maple syrup is permitted.

Why such strict measures?

The country's stringent biosecurity measures are designed to protect its unique ecosystem, making even minor infractions costly. Items not allowed are typically seized and destroyed at the border. Travellers face on-the-spot fines, potential visa cancellation for serious breaches and possible prosecution with heavy fines or imprisonment. Undeclared biosecurity goods can attract fines up to AUD 2,664 per offence.

Why is Australia so strict?

Australia's biosecurity system, governed by the Biosecurity Act 2015, is a multi-layered framework managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The country prioritises safeguarding its animal and plant health, agricultural industries and natural environment from exotic pests and diseases. The Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system is a key tool for determining specific import conditions for goods entering Australia.

Take note!

The key principle is straightforward: declare all food, plant material, animal products and medicines on your passenger card. Permitted items will be allowed, but undeclared or prohibited items will be confiscated, potentially leading to hefty fines. Navya Nair's experience serves as a reminder of Australia's uncompromising stance on biosecurity, emphasizing the importance of awareness and compliance for travellers.