Plant Standards Branch

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should I do if I've found maggots in my fruit?
A. If you suspect you have found Queensland fruit fly maggots (larvae), please contact DPI by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186

Q. I think that I've found a fire ant nest. Who should I tell?
A. Red imported fire ants are a serious pest currently only found in Queensland . The establishment of these ants in Victoria would be an economic and environmental disaster. Report suspected fire ants by calling the Customer Service Centre on 136 186. For more information, visit Queensland DPI&F (external link).

Q. I've arrived home and found I've accidentally carried some fruit with me from my interstate trip. How should I dispose of it?
A. Cook or eat the fruit, or place in a plastic bag and place in hard rubbish. Do not throw any part of the fruit in a green waste bin or compost heap.

Q. Can I export commercial lots of potted plants from Victoria to other areas of Australia?
A. Yes, however there are conditions for movement to any other state. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to obtain information on these conditions.

Q. Can I import commercial lots of fruit from other areas of Australia into Victoria?
A. Yes, however restrictions may apply. These restrictions are in place to prevent the introduction of pests and disease into Victoria, such as Queensland fruit fly and Fire Ants (external link). To obtain further information on restrictions, contact your nearest Plant Standards Office.

Q. Can I take plants, fruit, vegetables and other plant products when I travel within Victoria?
A. Yes you can, but there are controls in place covering certain declared areas to prevent the movement of pests such as Queensland fruit fly or grape phylloxera into or out of the area. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to find out where these areas are, what the restrictions are, and further information.

Q. Can I take small quantities of plants, fruit, vegetables and other plant products from Victoria into other states?
A. Yes, but there usually restrictions. Take a look at the Traveller's guide to Australian interstate quarantine (external link), which is a quick reference guide to help you as you travel.

Q. I would like to transport some grapevine material within Victoria or into another state. What should I do?
A. All other states have restrictions on the movement of grapevine material so as to prevent the movement of the pest grape phylloxera. Contact your nearest Plant Standards Office to check on these restrictions.

Q. I want to import animal fodder into Victoria. What do I need to know?
A. There are restrictions on the movement of animal fodder due to diseases such as lupin anthracnose and annual ryegrass toxicity. For further information contact Plant Standards Branch on (03) 8371 3500 or email plant.standards@dpi.vic.gov.au.

Further Information
For other enquiries, please contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

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