So Peeved @ the Australian Govn't!!!!!

[harleymc]

This whole thread seems based on a massive misconception. Where is this supposed $1000 charge?

from Plant Exports Fees and Charges - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry "Section 3 – Fee Exemptions

Consignments comprising less than 10kg do not require a notice of intention to export/export permit and therefore no export permit documentation fee applies. See Export Control (Prescribed Goods – General) Order 2005 Order 2.01 (g). If an importing country requires other export certification for the consignment, all fees described below apply."

So unless the flasks are weighing greater than 10 kilograms each the only fees that apply are the phytosanitary cert and the export cert, each of which cost $16.00 if issued electronically.

If the total consignment is less than 20kg, split it into 2 consignments... marginally extra cost but nowhere near $1000.