Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Facility - Plant Industries 

Location:

Berrimah Agricultural Research Centre - Makagon Road, Berrimah NT
PEQ Horticulturist 08 8999 2225 or 08 8999 2284

The Facility

The Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) facility is licensed by the Commonwealth Government's Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and is the largest medium level plant quarantine facility in tropical Australia. It facilitates the importation of tropical plant material, servicing the horticultural industry, home gardeners and the NT Government Research Horticulturalists.

The facility is secured at all times and patrolled by security guards after hours. Access is strictly limited and must be previously approved. Plants are grown in this secure environment until eligible for release.

The screenhouse was constructed in 2003 and is designed in accordance with the strict regulations required of a Quarantine Facility. It complies with local cyclone coding regulations and provides 162m² of secure space in which approved imports of live plant material can be housed. Plants are grown under the supervision of the PEQ Horticulturist and AQIS, with the aim of releasing healthy plants after a specified period. The screenhouse is fitted with interior, retractable, aluminised curtains at varying degrees of light emission, a fully-automated irrigation system, a contained drainage system and air extraction fans. A 500L steaming unit is located on site.  

Reasons for Plant Quarantine  

Illegal importation of plant material poses a great risk to the horticulture industry. Plant material may harbour exotic pests and diseases that may not be visually obvious, but if  released, have the potential to increase in numbers, destroy crops and permanently cripple the industry. Plant quarantine procedures have been put in place to allow the safe importation of plant material. Imported material is housed in an approved quarantine facility for a specified period of time where they are continually monitored  for the presence of pests and diseases. Once these plants have shown to be disease-free they are released to the owner who can be confident that their new plants are not harbouring exotic pests and diseases.

The Northern Territory Government  opened the Post Entry Quarantine Facility to provide an opportunity for all Australian tropical horticultural operators to source new stock so that they may continue to introduce innovative material and expand the industry. 

Plant Preparation  

The transportation process can expose plant material to some unfavourable conditions. The harsh chemical treatment that is required upon entry can also affect the health and survival of the plant. Therefore, it is very important to prepare plant material adequately prior to importation to ensure the best chance of survival.

1. Choose hardened off, healthy plant material with substantial root systems. Remove some leaves to reduce dehydration.
2. Remove all soil from roots and wrap the roots in damp paper keeping the foliage dry.
3. Wrap the bundles of plants in plastic bags with breathing holes cut into them and put them into a sturdy, padded box such as one containing shredded paper or polystyrene.
4. Ensure all plants are labelled with their full botanical name.
5. Have a copy of the import permit and packing lists in an envelope attached to the outside of the box and clearly label the package with LIVE PLANT MATERIAL.

Time is very important as plant health rapidly declines while in transit. Collect plant material just prior to travel and choose the fastest mode of transport. Be sure that AQIS transfers are organised for the plants from the airport to the post-entry quarantine facility immediately after arrival into Australia. 

Services Provided  

The PEQ Horticulturist is dedicated to the establishment and care of all plants in the PEQ facility and can assist the importer with advice on the importation process, the coordination of imports and will organise all necessary AQIS inspections and treatments in accordance with the import permit conditions. Irrigation and nutritional programs are tailored to the needs of individual plant groups.

Plants are closely monitored and clients informed of all progress and activities related to their import.

In accordance with AQIS guidelines, plant material of the highest possible standard will be released back to the importer or, if not meeting these standards, safely disposed of. 

PEQ Fees

The following schedule sets out the RDPIFR charges that apply to all plants and/or seedlines undergoing post-entry quarantine at Berrimah Agricultural Research Centre, Northern Territory.  Please note increase in fees as of January 2007.

• Plants which fail to establish in quarantine, or die within the first three month period, will be charged at the full three month rate.
• Seedlines which fail to germinate, may be replanted once at no extra charge. However, the nine-month charging period will commence from the time of the first planting.
• Extension of the PEQ period will be charged on a pro-rata basis of the initial total shipment costs.

AQIS Fees

In the Government Post-Entry Plant Quarantine Program, there are three basic charge types:

1. Care and maintenance of plants in quarantine (M² per day);
2. Disease screening and/or testing and
3. Any other services relating to the management of plants in quarantine.

Visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Website for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I arrange an import permit?

Before submitting an Import Permit Application check import requirements here. 

Contact AQIS to obtain the relevant application forms. Details of the proposed plant shipment will need to be provided and the application form returned to AQIS for approval. Written confirmation from the PEQ Horticulturist must accompany the application to confirm that accommodation has been organised.

Please contact the PEQ Horticulturist if you have any further questions on 08 8999 2225 or 08 8999 2284.

When do I have to have permits organised? 

All permits must be authorised and valid and accommodation booked at the PEQ Facility before the arrangement of the importation of plants.

Where can my plants stay during their quarantine period?

There are a number of Post Entry Quarantine Facilities around Australia. The facility at Berrimah in the Northern Territory is the largest medium level facility in tropical Australia. It is recommended that tropical species of plants stay in this facility so that the climatic conditions are ideal.

How long is the quarantine period?

Quarantine periods vary according to the type of plant. Many ornamental plants require a 3-month quarantine period, while many fruit trees require 6 months to 2 years in quarantine. These periods may be extended if a disease or pest is suspected to be present.

What type of plants can I import?

There are many different types of plants from all over the world that can be imported. But there are also a number of plants that are not allowed into Australia. It is important you know the correct scientific name of the plant to be imported. Import conditions can be viewed on the web site [www.daff.gov.au]

  Useful Links:

• Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) 
• Quarantine Information relating to importing Plants, Grains and Horticulture 
• Plant Import Forms