Navya Nair fined Rs 1 lakh in Australia for jasmine gajra: What travellers must know about banned items Down Under

Actress Navya Nair was fined at Melbourne International Airport for unknowingly carrying a jasmine gajra in her hand luggage while traveling to attend Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association in Victoria. Authorities found the 15-centimeter string of jasmine and imposed a penalty of 1,980 Australian dollars (about Rs 1.14 lakh).

Flowers packed by father

Navya explained the circumstances during a public event in Melbourne. “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,” she said.

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A post shared by Navya Nair (@navyanair143)

She admitted the mistake, adding, “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.”

Social media response

Navya took the incident with a lighthearted approach and shared her experience on Instagram. Posting a video collage of her journey, she captioned it, “A show-off right before paying the fine.” Earlier, she had also posted photos from her flight in the same attire, writing, “First-ever Thiruvonam in the skies! Though I miss being in naadu, carrying the spirit of Onam with me is a joy of its own. Work calls — and that too is another happiness. Onboard Singapore Airlines… Melbourne, here I come.”

Onam look and reactions

In the video, she appeared in a traditional Kerala saree with jasmine adorning her hair, shopping and dining before boarding her flight. The post, set to the song “Onam Mood,” attracted attention online. Actor Ramesh Pisharody commented, “I am fine, thank you.”

Australia's Strict biosecurity rules

As reported by Manorama Online, the fine was imposed under Australia’s strict biosecurity rules, which prohibit entry of plants and flowers to protect the local ecosystem. Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. These rules are designed to protect the country’s unique environment, agriculture, and wildlife from foreign pests and diseases.

What is banned in Australia?

Items like plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, vegetables, soil, and animal products cannot be brought into the country without special clearance.

Why so strict? Introducing even small amounts of foreign material could damage local crops, spread plant diseases, or threaten native species.

How is it enforced? Passengers arriving in Australia must declare such items on arrival cards. Border officials screen baggage, and undeclared items can result in heavy fines or legal action.

Penalties: Fines can be steep, often running into thousands of dollars. Ignorance of the rules is not accepted as an excuse.

Harbhajan Singh fined in NZ for dirty shoes in 2002

Similar cases have occurred in the past. In 2002, Indian cricketers Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh were fined in New Zealand for not declaring dirty shoes in their luggage. Each had to pay NZ$200 before being allowed entry.