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Across the globe, countries have some surprisingly quirky rules about what’s allowed through their borders
These rules might sound over the top, but they’re usually based on biosecurity — the need to protect native plants, animals, and agriculture from foreign pests and diseases. (AP)
When Malayalam actor Navya Nair arrived at the Melbourne International Airport in Australia, she wasn’t carrying contraband or endangered wildlife but a delicate jasmine gajra that would have been the perfect accompaniment to the Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria.
Nair, while speaking to the media, explained how her father had bought the gajra for her but a mistake on her part cost her AUD 1,980 (around Rs 1.14 lakh).
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“Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag.
“What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980 (Rs 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days.”
Why did the Gajra cause a stir?
According to Australia’s strict biosecurity rules, fresh flowers and plants cannot be brought to the country. But the list doesn’t end there—it includes sweets such as Burfi, Ras Malai, Rasgulla, Pedas, Gulab Jamun, Mysore Pak and Soan Papdi, rice, feathers, bones, skins, food you bring off a plane or ship, honey and beeswax.
Australia takes the protection of its unique environment so seriously that even the tiniest misstep at the airport, like carrying flowers, fruits, or festive treats without declaring them, can come at a steep price.
Any items that violate Australia’s strict biosecurity rules, especially if not declared, are usually seized and destroyed. Travellers can be hit with instant fines, risk having their visas revoked in serious cases, and may even face prosecution with harsh penalties or jail time.
At the airport, the process can involve detailed screenings, interviews, baggage checks, and the removal of any food, plants, or animal-based products considered a threat.
What are the other quirky items not allowed into countries?
We all know you can’t carry weapons or drugs through airport customs — but what about a banana leaf? Or grandma’s homemade pickle jar? Across the globe, countries have some surprisingly quirky rules about what’s allowed through their borders.
• Fresh durian: The infamous Southeast Asian fruit is known for its stink and some airlines don’t allow it on board because of its stench.
• Peanut Butter: According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), peanut butter is classified as a liquid, which means anything over 3.4 ounces gets confiscated.
• Magic wands: Long, pointy objects, such as magic wands, can be considered dangerous weapons and hence often make it to the list of prohibited items.
• Snow globes: If you are planning to buy snow globes as souvenirs, think again. If the globe contains over 3.4 ounces of liquid, it will be discarded at the airport itself.
• Magic 8 Ball in US
• Badminton racquets: Not just racquets, the ban extends to cricket bats too.
• Party poppers
• Toy swords made of foam
• Seashells, Sand & Coral might be pretty souvenirs, but many countries ban the export or import of natural coastal materials to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
• Pet Food: Even unopened commercial pet food can be banned if it contains meat or dairy ingredients sourced from restricted countries.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 08, 2025, 15:17 IST
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