01/10/2026
A traveller returning from overseas declared they had ‘honey’ and ‘toothbrushes’ in their baggage 🍯
On inspection, biosecurity officers found the labelled honey was contained in a soft drink bottle and included honeycomb, bark and large quantities of whole bees and bee parts! These materials can carry serious pests and diseases that threaten Australia’s honeybee populations and pollination system.
The declared ‘toothbrushes’ were in fact 10-inch plant cuttings that were green and viable, presenting a risk to introducing plant pests, diseases and invasive species 🎋
Neither item met Australian import conditions and both were voluntarily disposed of by the traveller before they left the airport.
Items such as untreated honey and live plant material pose a high risk to Australia’s agriculture and environment. Bee pests and diseases can spread rapidly, impact food production, and cause long-term economic damage.
Declaring items is essential – but it’s important to understand what can and can’t bee brought into Australia 🐝
Learn more ⬇️
