AQIS Plant Introduction Form

　　"Why have I been asked to fill in this form?"
AQIS regulates all plant material imported into Australia. Each year, AQIS receives a large number of applications to import various plant species from all over the world. Many of these species have been imported before and AQIS has developed import conditions to enable their safe introduction. These species and their import conditions are contained in the AQIS electronic quarantine database – ICON (www.aqis.gov.au/icon).
AQIS regulates plant imports by way of a permitted list, which was formally adopted on the 7th July 1998. When an importer submits an application to import propagative material (seed or nursery stock) of a species that is not contained in ICON (or is listed in ICON as "prohibited until assessed"), AQIS forwards this information to Plant Biosecurity who conducts an assessment of the species. Plant Biosecurity Australia develops appropriate import conditions before the species can be imported and released from quarantine.
The agreed pre-entry screening method for new plant imports is called the Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) system. The WRA system is used on all new plant imports whether they enter Australia as seeds, nursery stock or tissue culture and regardless of country of origin.
"How do I fill in the form?"
In most cases, you will need to complete a separate AQIS Plant Introduction Form for each species requiring assessment. However, where there are different species or varieties that are very similar, you may place them on the same form. Environment Australia as well as a wide range of client groups endorsed this system of assessment. The implementation of the WRA system is a component of the National Weed Strategy and was funded in part by monies arising from the Natural Heritage Trust.
"Why should I bother?"
If you have been asked to complete the AQIS Plant Introduction Form, you should note that it is in your best interests to fill in the form as accurately and completely as possible. AQIS receives many applications to import plant species that require assessment and this assessment represents a significant demand on AQIS's resources. Import applications accompanied by an AQIS Plant Introduction Form that is properly filled in can be assessed more quickly.
This form is used to gain information on the general growth characteristics of the species and also to determine whether the plant possesses certain attributes, which could increase the likelihood of it becoming a weed in Australia. Based on the assessment of the information provided, AQIS will either (a) permit the plant to be imported subject to certain conditions, (b) refuse permission for the plant to be imported, or (c) require further assessment of the species while in quarantine.
Plants that are already present in Australia, either widely distributed or commercially available in significant quantities in Australia, still require assessment, but the final result will take the occurrence in Australia into account.
The form consists of four parts - Sections A, B, C, and D. You must complete all four sections. Where you are required to complete forms for more than one species you may complete Section A (Applicant's Details) on just one form only.
Use the "Don't know" box as little as possible so that AQIS does not have to ask you to provide further information. Also, feel free to clarify or qualify your answers by writing comments anywhere on the form.
Finally, make sure all written answers and comments are printed neatly and clearly.
"Is there any other information that I should provide?"
Yes, references will help the speed of the assessment! As part of the assessment process, AQIS/Plant Biosecurity must verify the accuracy of your responses on the form. Information from independent sources that substantiates your responses will facilitate this and will reduce the assessment time accordingly.
Independent sources include papers from scientific journals, botanical textbooks and gardening books. Also of use would be information supplied by botanical gardens, CSIRO, departments of agriculture or universities etc. AQIS will also accept information from independent sources overseas such as foreign government authorities and universities. Information from these sources must be supplied on the official letterhead of the organisation concerned.