Harshal's dad was fined nearly $2,000 for carrying onions to Australia. How common is this?

Australia's Biosecurity Act 2015 mandates passengers to declare risky items, including food, animal products and plant materials, using incoming passenger cards. Infringement notices are on the rise at airports.

An international traveller arrives in Australia. (file) Credit: James D. Morgan/Donato Fasano/Getty Images

Key Points

• Harshal Ghai's father, 60, was recently fined $1,878 for carrying red onions and dates into Australia.
• More than 5,700 infringement notices were issued to travellers in 2023 for not complying with Australia’s biosecurity requirements.
• A rise in infringement notices is expected with international arrivals returning to pre-COVID numbers.

Harshal Ghai, an international student at Edith Cowan University in Perth, strongly advises visitors against bringing food items into Australia.

"Or, at the very least, declare them upon arrival," Mr Ghai told SBS Hindi after his father, 60, was fined $1,878 for carrying red onions and dates into the country during the last week of December.

Australia's Biosecurity Act 2015 mandates passengers to declare risky items, including food, animal products and plant materials, using incoming passenger cards.

Failure to declare can result in fines of up to $6,260 and potential criminal prosecution. Passengers can dispose of any undeclared risk items in designated bins at airports and seaports before immigration.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry expects a rise in infringement notices as international arrivals returned to pre-COVID numbers around November 2023.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry expects a rise in infringement notices.

Mr Ghai said his father, a first-time international traveller from Nagpur in the Indian state of Maharashtra, unintentionally breached these regulations.

He claimed his father, a salad enthusiast, had packed onions for his journey from Nagpur to Delhi, where he initially planned to stay with a friend before heading to Perth.

However, a last-minute change in plans led him to a hotel, causing him to forget about the onions until after landing in Perth.

"Even I wasn't aware that my father was carrying onions and dates. Otherwise, I would have advised him to dispose of or declare them too, like other items, on the incoming passenger card," Mr Ghai admitted.

Harsh Ghai took to Facebook for advice after his father was given the fine. Source: Facebook Credit: Facebook

The father struggled to clarify this with biosecurity officers, given his limited proficiency in English. He was allowed to leave the airport with an infringement notice asking to pay the fine within 28 days.

Mr Ghai has appealed for a waiver, expressing regret for not explaining the laws more comprehensively to his father.

Sanjay Bhosale, a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said the department was assessing the appeal.

"If it was indeed a genuine mistake, there's a possibility the department could waive the fine. They will communicate the outcome to the family accordingly," Mr Bhosale told SBS Hindi.

Andal Sreedaran with her father. Credit: Supplied by Andal Sreedaran

Perth resident Andal Sreedaran recounted a similar situation when her 75-year-old father from the Indian state of Karnataka received a fine for not declaring 'panchamrit prasad' and her favourite gooseberry pickle.

"He failed to make proper conversation as he couldn't understand the Australian accent, and his English skills were not great," Ms Sreedaran said.

Her father was allowed to leave the airport after three hours with an infringement notice of nearly $500.

Ms Sreedaran later successfully appealed, having the fine waived.

Prasad, usually made of milk and sweets, is offered to gods and goddesses. It is considered pious, and people accept it as a blessing from the gods.

However, both Ms Sreedaran and Mr Ghai point out the confusion surrounding the incoming passenger card, highlighting that some questions are unclear and can lead to unintentional mistakes.

"For instance, drugs, steroids and medicines are mentioned in the same question. So, it becomes tricky to tick yes or no," Mr Ghai said.

The Australian Border Force provides a quick guide on items you can bring and need to declare.

Mr Bhosale advises passengers to tick 'yes' if unsure about any item.

"Biosecurity officers will check and dispose of risky items. If an item poses no risk to Australia's biosecurity, the officers will return it to the passenger," Mr Bhosale said.

Passengers will only face a fine or criminal prosecution for not declaring restricted or prohibited items. So, if you are unsure, declare it.

Sanjay Bhosale

Mr Bhosale said common items people bring into the country include fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, spices, meats, pickles and homemade food products.

"Sometimes people pick up food at airports and flights. Please ensure before alighting that you don't have any food in your bags," he said.

Incoming passenger cards are available in various languages. Credit: Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Mr Bhosale suggested requesting a translated incoming passenger card on a flight or at the airport.

"Our biosecurity officers can help you connect with your Australian contacts if you provide their numbers for conversation," he said.

"Wherever possible, officers seek the help of on-duty airport staff who speak your language," Mr Bhosale added.

Ms Sreedaran emphasised the importance of parents listening to their children and strictly following regulations to avoid such situations.

Some parents, this was typical of my parents, don't listen fully to their children. They do whatever they feel is right.

Andal Sreedaran

"I request all parents to listen to their children when they ask you not to do something. Otherwise, it becomes difficult for everyone," she added.

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