Moving Plants and Plant Products
Northern Territory Quarantine Section

Protecting our Territory!

Interstate Quarantine in the Northern Territory began operating in 1979 in association with the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS). In 2001, Interstate Quarantine separated from AQIS to form the Northern Territory Quarantine Service (NTQS). NTQS was established with the aim of expediting the export of NT produce and of protecting the local fruit and vegetable industry (including cut flower producers and nurseries) from pests and diseases not established in the Territory. Fresh fruit and vegetables destined for interstate markets are also regularly inspected.

To control the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases within Australia, the interstate movement of plants, fruit and vegetables is regulated by legislation enacted by individual states. In the Northern Territory, Quarantine operations are regulated by the Plant Diseases Control Act 1979.

We protect the community of the NT from interstate plant pests and diseases through effective barrier and post-barrier programs. Part of the charter of Interstate Quarantine is to inspect produce arriving from interstate for compliance with Northern Territory entry requirements.

NTQS ensures that NT horticultural produce can meet Quarantine requirements through correct certification, allowing intra and interstate market access. The Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) scheme is a program of quality management allowing growers to certify their produce for entry into southern markets. ICA is a formal structured alternative to Department inspections, supervised treatment and certification of produce.