AQIS (forum)

Phil@Tyalgum starts with ...
The link to the AQIS database no longer seems to be valid. I was wanting to do a species search for importing seed but seem to be coming up against dead ends. Can anyone help? I am looking to import Parwal or Pointed Gourd, Trichosanthes dioica

Time: 9th November 2013 10:03pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author TyalgumPhil
Murwillumbah
#UserID: 960
Posts: 1383
View All TyalgumPhil's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
http://apps.daff.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_casecontent.asp?intNodeId=8533940&intCommodityId=25360&Types=none&WhichQuery=Go+to+full+text&intSearch=1&LogSessionID=0

Not permitted.Just google aquis icon and hit the query site.

Time: 9th November 2013 10:11pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Phil@Tyalgum says...
Thanks Mike.. shame, someone I know was pining for them

Time: 9th November 2013 10:16pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author TyalgumPhil
Murwillumbah
#UserID: 960
Posts: 1383
View All TyalgumPhil's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
Phil it is important to correctly label the seeds.

Time: 9th November 2013 10:24pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Anonymous says...
Phil,

Drop me a line at ljo 84 at hushmail dot com

we can talk turkey there.

s

Time: 9th November 2013 11:29pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author sternus1
 
#UserID: 8314
Posts: 1318
View All sternus1's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Seeds seized by Aqis!

I ordered some Safu seeds (African Pear) recently from the Congo but on arrival the Aqis people have confiscated them, even though Dacryodes edulis is an approved species. But the problem was not the seeds as the notice says that:



Time: 12th November 2013 6:59pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

Anonymous says...
My experience with AQIS leads me to infer that their interpretation of new packaging can mean anything from a vacuum sealed bag to a snap lock bag to a toilet roll core stuffed with rancid newspaper.

It does stipulate the packaging criteria somewhere on the DAFF pages, you just need to navigate through the acres of erroneous info which is so syntaxless and dis-relational I can only assume that it is by design intentionally baffling in order to entrap people at the user end. Maybe a lot of specificity was lost when the legislation was transposed over from the crayon originals, who knows.

Linton, drop me a line at ljo 84 at hushmail dot com

Maybe I can help you out.
s



Time: 12th November 2013 7:26pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author sternus1
 
#UserID: 8314
Posts: 1318
View All sternus1's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
This is new terminology that I encountered last week with seized seeds that complied with requirements.You need to call and get a professional officer to inspect rather than a mail person.With me the initial seizee did not recognise vermiculite (perlite,paper,sawdust are acceptable but peat moss and sphagnum are not) and I have the seeds now.The definition of soil is fanciful and dirty is subjective and not supposed to include stains from seeds.
You have to be fast as they are destroyed with a bullet and they will return your call.Soon there will be no more letters and automatic destruction as the green curtain comes down.The number of seizures that are reversed and sent on must be costing DAFF a fortune.

Time: 12th November 2013 8:04pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

BJ says...
They are all sorts of hopeless. If I was half as bad at my job as they are at theirs, I'd be locked in a zoo by now!

Time: 12th November 2013 8:10pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
#UserID: 3270
Posts: 1552
View All Theposterformerlyknownas's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
BJ I think you give them too much credit. We all have horror stories and it has much to do with a dysfunctional process. Under the veil of protecting our land, such jarring ineptitude seems to flourish. Most officers you speak to on the phone are quite knowledgeable and helpful and some even show discretion in your favour when seeds pose no risk.

Time: 12th November 2013 8:42pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Jantina says...
AQIS, sigh.

Time: 12th November 2013 10:25pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Jantina
 
#UserID: 1351
Posts: 1272
View All Jantina's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Request for clarification by Aqis denied!

I tried to follow your advice and contact the Aqis people about the seeds. Big mistake!

I was sternly reprimanded by the officer who told me I shouldn't be calling them and, quote - dried seeds are not permitted to be imported into Australia and will be destroyed!

Therefore I tend to agree with BJ's opinion, only it may be somewhat understated as there a few more expletives I could easily add now about dealing with Aqis!

Time: 13th November 2013 5:17pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

ivepeters says...
Someone needs a BIG KICK up the backside for that.

Time: 13th November 2013 5:23pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author ivepeters
Brisbane
#UserID: 6741
Posts: 527
View All ivepeters's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
Linton that is why you get a reference number and why they give their phone number on the form.....to call. Dry seeds are allowed in Australia, it is an everyday thing.1000's of kg of nuts, rice and all kinds of seeds are imported every day let alone seeds for sowing.
It sounds weird and it is fast to put a complaint in on the DAFF complaints site. A PR person will investigate straight away.

Time: 13th November 2013 6:57pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Unidentified seeds passed by Aqis - This is Weird!

I just received some Keule seeds from South America (which are an approved species). When I picked up the parcel from the Post Office it had the coloured tape stuck on which read that it had been opened for inspection.

Then, when I opened it I was horrified to find a packet of seeds in a sealed cellophane bag without any label or name on it.

There was no other paperwork inside as usual from this supplier, although Aqis had enclosed a leaflet stating that the contents posed no threat and had passed quarantine, and thank you for your cooperation!

As you can see in the picture, this is the packet of seeds I removed from the parcel and there is absolutely nothing on it. I really don't get it since Aqis destroyed the last lot of seeds which were correctly labelled, but have passed this one without any identification.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 17th December 2013 8:01pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

sternus1 says...
Par for the course Linton. I've pretty much said all I have to say about AQIS, really....besides this the results speak for themselves. Congrats on getting them through, hope they sprout for you.

s

Time: 17th December 2013 8:06pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author sternus1
Australia
#UserID: 8314
Posts: 1318
View All sternus1's Edible Fruit Trees

ivepeters says...
Large amount of mail now, or they just had their xmas party.

Time: 17th December 2013 8:42pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author ivepeters
Brisbane
#UserID: 6741
Posts: 527
View All ivepeters's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
I got a big parcel from brazil last week that wasn't even inspected.

Time: 17th December 2013 8:50pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

MaryT1 says...
So are you going to tell us what's in the parcel Mike? :)

Time: 17th December 2013 11:01pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author MaryT1
Sydney
#UserID: 7655
Posts: 296
View All MaryT1's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
Mary it was tinsel.

Time: 18th December 2013 12:20am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

VF says...
Mike, Merry (A)QIStmas from the guys in quarantine perhaps ..... :)

Time: 18th December 2013 1:08am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author VF
Wongawallan
#UserID: 6795
Posts: 736
View All VF's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
VF I don't think they were wishing many happy returns. Just maybe they were busy high fiving and group hugging over permitted seeds from someone else that were seized, that mine slipped by unnoticed.

Time: 18th December 2013 1:13am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

MaryT1 says...
Better yours than anyone else's, Mike, 'cause I know you will share, won't you? hahaha

Time: 18th December 2013 10:20pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author MaryT1
Sydney
#UserID: 7655
Posts: 296
View All MaryT1's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Say hello to Gomortega keule.

As mentioned in my previous post they passed through aqis unidentified. That was on 17 December 2013 and they have only just germinated so it took nearly 1 year. I just put the seeds in the pot and forgot about them and now they have grown.

The good thing about most species from Chile is that they are usually suitable for Melbourne's climate as well. Gomortega keule is endangered in the wild so it's good to grow it to ensure it's survival. The fruit in the picture from the internet look a bit like apricots so I'll be interested to try them off my own trees one day. Cheers!
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3
Picture: 4

Time: 2nd December 2014 9:03pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: JohnMc1

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

ivepeters says...
Looks like they get pretty tall.
Hope you've got the room.

Time: 2nd December 2014 9:11pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author ivepeters
CARINDALE,4152,QLD
#UserID: 6741
Posts: 527
View All ivepeters's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Hi Ive

Yes, they could get pretty big. I'll have to try and bonsai a couple of them and grow them in a pot to see if I can keep them small.

Time: 2nd December 2014 9:57pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
Aqis do pull a few routine stunts in order to seize you permitted seeds.I have had more seeds seized on the basis of being packed in 'soil'.While it was really vermiculite as advised for packing by Customs/aqis,it is an old chestnut like the hand written label fabrication when they are on a seizure bender and your mail complies.You must complain about incompetance and ignoring their own rules and you may get them back.

Time: 1st July 2015 7:46am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
I used to get some seeds sent sometimes from overseas, making sure that they were listed on the Aqis Icon database. Now, since it has changed to Bicon some of the species, even some of the more common ones, seem to be no longer be listed.

For example, Mango seeds - Mangifera indica used to be allowed for import, but are no longer listed as permitted on the Bicon database. I think the same goes for Avocado seeds - Persea Americana which I'm sure were allowed previously.

So what's the go? Is it possible for a previously approved species to suddenly become unapproved? Thanks.

Time: 21st September 2016 2:36pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Linton
NOBLE PARK,3174,VIC
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
They are also way behind with taxonomy so you can be penalised for being up to date and correct. The fog in the system and difficulty in finding out precise information of what is and isn't permitted is wilful. There isn't a lot of intellectual firepower behind the new banned species that come thick and fast so don't look for logic from a pest or disease perspective. They get some right by accident and the changes also relate to no right of appeal and now they wont let you know when seeds are destroyed and that sort of thing. Errors and bungling revealed on appeals from those trying to do the right thing were costing time and money.

Time: 22nd September 2016 10:21am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Bangkok says...
I still have an addressed envelope laying here for an Aussie who's looking for Red Ivory mangoseeds.

Good you post it Linton, or i would have offended the rules without knowing it.







Time: 22nd September 2016 11:39pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Bangkok
Thailand
#UserID: 11594
Posts: 370
View All Bangkok's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Bangkok you don't need to worry about offending the rules as it is only the importer who is responsible and will get chastised. They would never bother to chase after the overseas supplier.

Another point in case is the Salak Palm (Salacca). I know for certain that these used to be approved as I've had a box of large Salak seeds sent previously and they passed the customs inspection with no problems. But now there are no Salacca species on the approved list either.

Seems like there are a quite a lot of species which have disappeared from being permitted.

Time: 25th September 2016 11:37am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 25th September 2016 11:38am

About the Author Linton
NOBLE PARK,3174,VIC
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

denise1 says...
That is what happened to the list in New Zealand in 1997. Partly due to mistakes and laziness, partly to over zealous anti-foreign sentiment, and reaction against perceived threat of disease/ weed invasion. The hard thing is that to have a new listing or a re-listing costs many thousands of dollars and almost impossible expectations for the application content.

Time: 26th September 2016 3:52pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
#UserID: 6832
Posts: 688
View All denise1's Edible Fruit Trees

Mike Tr says...
Selective alarm is at play as pasture weeds wanted by farmers seem to sail through. Edible grains come in,and in vast quantities. It appears to compensate for a lack of expertise in key areas a permanent state of alarm and the banning of low risk species, packing materials and an exaggerated view of the precautionary principle is at play. Look at how generic their warnings and information is.

Time: 27th September 2016 10:28am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Mike Tr
Cairns
#UserID: 8322
Posts: 614
View All Mike Tr's Edible Fruit Trees

Markmelb says...
Just took a look and Mangifera indica is on the June 2016 list as ok to import
but Persea Americana isnt but not concerned about that one.

Time: 28th September 2016 1:47pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 28th September 2016 2:18pm

About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
#UserID: 7785
Posts: 1192
View All Markmelb's Edible Fruit Trees

Starling1 says...
Everything requires a phyto cert now. Not worth the effort anymore IMO.

Time: 2nd October 2016 10:09pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author Starling1
WHITESIDE,4503,QLD
#UserID: 14614
Posts: 12
View All Starling1's Edible Fruit Trees

Markmelb says...
I sent 6 clean Pulasan seeds to myself from Singapore without a Cyto Certificate - they were opened and inspected and resealed - i only had their latin name on plastic bag - i think they sat in their office for checking for a week too - go figure that one?

Time: 3rd October 2016 11:03am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report

About the Author Markmelb
MOUNT WAVERLEY,3149,VIC
#UserID: 7785
Posts: 1192
View All Markmelb's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Just received a pen in the mail that I ordered from England about 2 months ago. The reason it took so long was because it had been intercepted by aqis and was being held pending inspection for about 3 weeks. What a waste of time and money these officials must have spent examining this single small item, and then having to reseal it and send it on.

Wouldn't have thought that the UK would be classified as a high risk country to buy goods from. And forgive my ignorance, but I really fail to comprehend how a pen could be considered as a possible biosecurity risk as stated by the customs notice that had been inserted into the envelope. Could someone please enlighten me on this, thanks.

It seems that one has to be wary when buying any kind of goods by mail order these days, as the customs people have the authority to seize anything and everything that they deem to be suspicious.

Time: 21st October 2016 1:35pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
Original Post was last edited: 21st October 2016 1:37pm

About the Author Linton
NOBLE PARK,3174,VIC
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees

ivepeters says...
Department cutbacks, they need to save money on stationery , hope it still writes.

Time: 21st October 2016 6:36pm

Reply | LIKE this Answer(0) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
About the Author ivepeters
CARINDALE,4152,QLD
#UserID: 6741
Posts: 527
View All ivepeters's Edible Fruit Trees

Linton says...
Important information for anyone who imports seeds from overseas. You may have seen the announcement just made by Aqis regarding the new requirements.

Unfortunately, from 28 April 2022 onwards ALL seed shipments to Australia will have to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate along with an additional declaration, as a new measurement of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment against a potential Khapra beetle infestation.

It has always been tough and a bit hit and miss when importing seeds and the new regulation is not going to make it any easier as it applies to seeds for sowing from any country. Full details can be seen on the Aqis website.


Time: 13th February 2022 9:31am

Reply | LIKE this Answer(1) | LIKE this Question (0) | Report
People who Like this Answer: ivepeters

About the Author Linton
NOBLE PARK,3174,VIC
#UserID: 2286
Posts: 993
View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees