IN a move to limit mustard stick or bean (korokua) packages destined for Australia, the Australian Biosecurity has announced this week that it has reduced the allowable rate from 2kg to 500 grammes.
The announcement was made on Tuesday this week.
“Planning on bringing or sending betel leaves or mustard sticks to Australia? Import requirements are changing.
“From 1 August, weight limits for fresh betel leaves and fresh mustard sticks will be reduced from 2 kg to 500 grams.
“Travellers arriving in Australia with consignments weighing more than 500 grams will need to arrange to have the goods inspected at an Approved Arrangement site at their expense.
“Consignments mailed to Australia over these new weight limits will be exported or destroyed.
“To avoid delays, additional costs, and to prevent your goods from being exported or destroyed, don’t bring or mail quantities weighing more than 500 grams.
“Follow the import conditions & declare these goods for inspection,” the advisory said.
Melanesians from Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are known for eating betelnuts with mustard sticks and lime.
With the increasing number of Solomon Islanders now working in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, stocks of betelnut and mustard sticks are consistently sent to the workers by their families and friends.
Few years ago, a passenger from Papua New Guinea on arrival at the Brisbane Airport declared two kilos of mustard sticks and presented the appropriate phytosanitary certification. However, when the biosecurity officers inspected the passenger’s luggage, they found more mustard sticks that were undeclared.
An infringement notice was issued and the undeclared mustard sticks were destroyed.
The Australian Biosecurity said imported plants and their products can introduce exotic pests and diseases.
“If these pests and diseases establish in Australia, they could have a devastating impact on our agriculture and unique environment,” the statement said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
