Be quarantine-aware this Rakhi

Rakhi gifts from India sometimes contain plant /animal material which leads to their postal delay

Being separated from loved ones during Rakhi can be difficult. A powerful affirmation of family bonds, this is a Hindu festival during which brothers and sisters exchange traditional gifts in celebration of love and togetherness. Sisters tie a sacred thread around the wrists of their brothers as a token of undying love, while brothers in turn promise care and continued friendship (or protection, as in older times).

When siblings live in different cities or in different parts of the world, the sacred thread is sent by post, often accompanied by traditional sweets.

Over the years as the Indian community has grown in Australia, the postal service here has begun to accept increased mail processing during Rakhi. Given the nature of the material they handle at this time, it is not surprising that quarantine issues have surfaced.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) acknowledges the unique bond shared by siblings and loved ones overseas, and the importance of celebrating Rakhi on time. So they urge you to make overseas family and friends quarantine-aware to avoid delays with the arrival of your gifts.

Although Rakhi gifts are sent with love, your family may not realise these gifts can contain plant or animal material which can harbour pests and diseases that can harm Australia’s unique environment and industries.

AQIS recognises the importance of this festival. That’s why it’s committed to processing international mail in a timely manner to ensure that your special gifts are received in time.

“The lead up to Rakhi has shown that it is common for well meaning overseas family and friends to send not only their prayers, but also quarantine risk items that can be detrimental to the Australian environment. All international mail is assessed, x-rayed or checked by detector dogs, and packages containing risk items are opened and inspected,” said Ms Caroline Martin, Program Manager, AQIS International Mail Program.

Quarantine risk items include Rakhi threads made with seeds or flowers; traditional Indian sweets made with milk products such as barfi, mysore pak, gulab jamun, rasgulla, pedas or soan-papdi; grains; and dried fruits.

“To ensure the auspicious occasion of Rakhi is celebrated on time, AQIS endeavours to keep processing delays to a minimum but this is difficult when mail contains risk items as they require further processing which leads to lengthy delays. But you can avoid these delays if you tell friends and family overseas not to send gifts containing quarantine risk items – as gifts with no risk items are processed much faster. So talk to your friends and family overseas and have your gift in time for Rakhi, which will certainly make the day much more enjoyable,” said Ms Martin.

Some suggestions for safe items your family can send are:

* Cotton Rakhi threads with plastic, fabric, gold or silver beads

* Gold or silver coins

* Personalised photo items

* Artificial flowers

Make sure your family correctly lists the contents of all parcels and fills out any postal declarations labels or forms. Declaring items does not automatically mean they will be confiscated – in many cases, most are returned or sent on after inspection. Some products may require treatment to make them safe. Where treatment is not an option, the goods will not be permitted into Australia.

AQIS wishes all siblings a joyous Rakhi – a celebration of the continued tradition signifying love between brothers and sisters, and much enjoyment of the Rakhi gifts.

For more information visit the AQIS website www.aqis.gov.au/rakhi; download the brochure ‘What Can’t be Mailed to Australia?’ or call AQIS on 1800 020 504 (free call in Australia and is in English).