Can I move house plants interstate in Australia

You may have already decided to move your household items as you relocate. However, you may wonder what's involved in transporting plants interstate. Read on for your answer to the question: 'Can I move house plants interstate in Australia?'

This post contains reasons to follow interstate plant quarantine guidelines and useful tips for moving house plants interstate. You can also find out how to get a plant health certificate when moving interstate, the forms of biosecurity certificates, and sources for house plant moving guidelines. Finally, you can learn how experienced interstate plant movers can help.

Can You Move House Plants Interstate in Australia?

The short answer to this question is that it depends on state and territory guidelines for moving plants into the state or territory you are moving to. In other words, you must perform adequate research to determine if your plants and plant products are included in that state or territory's list of quarantined plants.

Why Follow Interstate Plant Quarantine Guidelines?

The leaves of certain plants and even soil in potted plants can carry harmful pests and animal diseases. A major reason for restricting the movement of plants when people are moving interstate is to control and mitigate the risks of the spread of pests and diseases.

In addition, external contaminants from moving plants can threaten a state's natural flora and fauna. That is why interstate quarantine guidelines apply to everyone. These interstate quarantine measures are important if you consider how expensive control measures and resources can be to manage pests and plant disease infestations.

Meanwhile, an infestation breakout can put a pause on business, market, and industry activities. For the above reasons, you should not be surprised if you're asked to provide a biosecurity certificate if you wish to move plants, plant products, and related items within or across states or territories.

Guidelines on Moving Plants in Australia

There are strict guidelines and laws that you should follow if you wish to move plants, plant products, plant materials, soil, gardening, and agricultural equipment. For example, you should take note of restrictions on potted plants, fruit trees, and certain pest animals.

Understandably, these quarantine laws are meant to help control pest animals and plant diseases. At the same time, they aim to protect Australia's flora and fauna. As such, you should do proper research on guidelines for moving plants interstate.

One way to do this is to confirm the relevant quarantine entry guidelines from the state authority before your move. Furthermore, you can check the restricted plant list on the relevant government website.

How to Get a Plant Health Certificate When Moving Interstate

If you move interstate with plant products such as potted plants, you may need to provide a biosecurity certificate to the plant quarantine authority. This certificate shows you have met the required legal requirements and quarantine conditions for moving plants into your new state.

Here are some steps to take to get interstate and intrastate certification for moving plants:

• Produce an inventory of the plants or plant products you're moving.
• Visit the relevant Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.
• A government inspector or a biosecurity-accredited certifier can issue the certificate to you. They will follow the required procedures and accreditation scheme guidelines.
• Alternatively, interstate removalists can guide you on the right process and even perform the move.
• However, be sure that they have the required interstate and intrastate certifications for moving plants and plant products.

Types of biosecurity certificates

A biosecurity certificate may be in any of the following forms:

Plant Health Certificate (PHC)

An authorised officer usually issues a Plant Health Certificate. This is in accordance with the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010, which specifies quarantine conditions for importing plants and plant materials. Take note that a PHC may be required for intrastate movements to specific areas where quarantine conditions apply.

Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC)

An accredited business usually issues a Plant Health Assurance Certificate. This is generally done under the Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) scheme and can be described as self-certification.

Area Freedom Certificate (AFC)

Recognised industry third-party accreditation schemes can provide valid Area Freedom Certificates. These certifications are capable of meeting specified entry requirements for intrastate and interstate plant moves.

Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA)

Alternatively, you can take the route of accrediting your business under the Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) scheme. This essentially certifies that your plants meet the required quarantine conditions. In addition, they can be moved intrastate or interstate.

Sources of House Plant Moving Guidelines

If you are unsure about a specific requirement or condition, you can contact the following:

• The plant quarantine regulator in your destination state or territory can help address issues with particular plant quarantine conditions.
• Likewise, you can check your state or territory's plant health or quarantine manuals.
• For Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) issues, contact the Subcommittee on Domestic Quarantine and Market Access.
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry can provide international guidelines for importing plants and plant products.

Considerations When Moving Potted Plants

Larger potted plants tend to involve more work and cost more to move compared to smaller potted plants. After all, larger potted plants tend to have heavier root ball weights. As such, you should consider leaving large plants behind.

Maintaining Plant Health While Moving Interstate

You can use the following tips when moving plants interstate:

• Consider getting another plant if it is available in your new neighbourhood.
• Likewise, you may consider if the plant will thrive in new necessary climate conditions such as rainfall and heat.
• It would be best if you planned properly. This involves creating needed space for the plants in your new garden.
• Good planning is even more important for plant health if your interstate move is long-distance.
• Perform pests and disease treatment for your plants weeks before move day.
• Consistent application of seaweed tonic every two or three weeks will help keep your plant healthy.
• Soak your plants with water two days before your final move day. This will enhance good drainage.
• Use sturdy boxes to pack smaller or hanging potted plants before move day. This will help protect them.
• Work with reputable interstate removalists to properly take care of larger plants.
• It is best to hire interstate removalists when transporting plants interstate.

Getting Expert Help When Moving Plants Interstate

You should know that not every removalist company specialises in moving plants interstate. As such, be sure to look beyond moving quotes and choose one that has the experience and resources to manage your move properly.

More importantly, such removalists must be accredited under the interstate certification assurance scheme. This proves that they are allowed to move pot plants interstate. A good removalist company can help pack and load your plants safely and efficiently. Moreover, they will follow state rules and regulations on moving plants interstate.

Hire Experienced Plant Movers in Australia

Having read through this article, you now know more about moving plants interstate in Australia and the importance of interstate plant quarantine guidelines. Also, you have read up on how to get plant health certificates, forms of biosecurity certificates, and tips on maintaining plant health when moving interstate. Hiring professional removalists can help relieve you of all worries about moving house plants.