I know that this has been discussed but I cannot find the thread. Im wanting to take my artificial Christmas Tree which has pine cones and berries. Would it be okay if I just chop the cones off? Also would I have to remove the artificial berries? Do I just make a note on the box to say they have been removed? Just getting decs down ready to be shipped Feb. Thanks

We are planning to take ours, I took the pine cones off 3 years ago thinking we were going that year

I'll be interested to read any other replies

The letter of the law says no but they do not search every single box that you bring over and a dead 5 year old cone is not going to set the alarm bells ringing.

We brought ours over with pine cones on and they said it was fine. Good luck with your move

Yes it will.
If they find it it'll cost you for destruction. Pine cones are one of the big no-nos and you will find dozens of posts on here from people who have fallen foul of AQIS on that one. Berries likewise -even if they are fake you may have a job convincing AQIS of the fact (as I know to my cost - plastic berries on a hat? $160, thank you very much)

AQIS generally will open any box labelled as Christmas decs, because of the pine cone issue. The seeds in the cones live on long ater the cone has fallenfrom the tree, thats the reason why. There are always going to be a few people who have got stuff through, either accidentally or on purpose, but don't risk it unless you are prepared to pay.

Check the ICON database on the AQIS site, fake berries will be fine as they are not organic. If the pine cones are real they will need to be removed unless they have been treated in accordance with the ICON database requirements.

Also, the AQIS site has an email enquiry facility where advice direct from the horses mouth is available.

HTH

Fake berries should be fine.........but I won't give any guarantee on that one after my heated echange with AQIS 6 years back

Ah, but that were 'ats!

Thanks have now taken all of the cones off the tree and will leave the berries.