Notifications for Australia (406 notifications)

The Australian Government is making improvements to its agricultural export legislation. A new legislative framework for Australia's agricultural exports will commence on 28 March 2021, comprising the Export Control Act 2020 (the Act) and the Export Control Rules 2020. The Australian Government has released an Exposure Draft Export Control Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2020 (the Bill) for consultation. The Bill proposes minor amendments to the Act to support implementation of the new legislation: - fit and proper person test for variations of registrations and alterations of establishments - notices of intention (NOI) to export - requirements for export permits - review of decisions relating to tariff quota entitlements - incorporation of documents in the Rules. The Bill and supporting information are available on the Department of Agriculture, Water  and the Environment's website - https://www.agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/improving-export-legislation.Trading partners can review the Bill and supporting information, and make submissions until 26 October 2020. The focus for consultation with stakeholders, including trading partners, is to ensure the new legislation is clear and fit-for-purpose – supporting growth and innovation, while maintaining the standards our trading partners expect. There is no change to Australia's commitment to meet the importing requirements of our trading partners, and the improved legislation will continue to meet Australia's international obligations – including those under the SPS agreement.

This measure describes alternative arrangements to the use of original paper phytosanitary certificates and health certificates due the impacts of COVID-19 on airfreight and courier mail. This temporary arrangement has been extended until 30 June 2021. Stakeholders will be notified of any further extension to this arrangement closer to this date.

On 4 August 2020, Australia issued a SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/502) informing trading partners of its intention to implement emergency measures to high-risk plant products that are hosts of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of this pest.Australia will shortly commence Phase 2 of the emergency measures. From 15 October 2020, high-risk plant products (in various raw and processed forms for any end use) will not be permitted entry from any country into Australia within:·         baggage carried by international travellers; or·         mail articles (including items posted using Express Mail Service). Failure to comply with the emergency measures will result in destruction of the goods upon arrival in Australia. Further information on Phase 2 of the emergency measures will be outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on the Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (department) website: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/Home/Notice/ Additional information on other phases under the emergency measures can be found on the department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actions Addendums to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and implementation dates for subsequent phases. Specific details regarding the measures will be outlined in BICON on the Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website prior to the implementation date. High-risk plant products The emergency measures will be applied to the following plant products (in various raw and physically-processed forms for any end use), which have been identified as high-risk: Rice (Oryza sativa), Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), Cucurbit seed (Cucurbita spp.; Cucumis spp.; Citrullus spp.), Cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum), Safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius), Bean seed (Phaseolus spp.), Soybean (Glycine max), Mung beans, cowpeas (Vigna spp.), Lentils (Lens culinaris), Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum), Celery seed (Apium graveolens), Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), Dried chillies/capsicum (Capsicum spp.), Faba bean (Vicia faba), Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan), Pea seed (Pisum sativum), and Fennel seed (Foeniculum spp.). > Note: exclusions apply see Urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) webpage.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has released the Review of the biosecurity risks of prawns imported from all countries for human consumption – draft report (the review) for a 110 day consultation period. The review was undertaken in response to the white spot disease outbreak that occurred in south-east Queensland in 2016-17, and in recognition of new and emerging diseases and advances in scientific knowledge since the release of the Generic import risk analysis report for prawns and prawn products 2009. The review has taken into account current scientific information, international standards developed by the World Organisation for Animal Health, policies adopted by other countries for the importation of prawns, advice from international scientific experts, submissions received from stakeholders, relevant industry practices and operational practicalities. The review identified 10 hazards of biosecurity concern for imported prawns. We undertook risk assessments for each and proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks. The draft report proposes that prawns continue to be permitted import into Australia, subject to compliance with a range of biosecurity measures. The draft report can be accessed at https://haveyoursay.awe.gov.au/review-of-the-biosecurity-risks-of-imported-prawns. Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the draft report by 15 January 2021. The department will carefully consider all submissions before preparing the final report.

This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals so that they are consistent with other national regulations relating to the safe and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals: Clothianidin, Imidacloprid, Metribuzin, Pyraflufen-ethyl and Saflufenacil in specified plant commodities. Fluralaner in specified animal commodities.

The Australian Government is making improvements to its agricultural export legislation. A new legislative framework for Australia's agricultural exports will commence on 28 March 2021, comprising the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control Rules 2020 (the Rules). The Rules will set out the operational details for regulating the exports of commodities. Once finalised, the Rules will replace the current legislation. The Australian Government has released Exposure Drafts of the Export Control Rules 2020 (the draft Rules) for 7 commodities for consultation. The remaining draft Rules will be released for consultation later this year. Tranche one includes the draft rules: Exposure Draft Export Control (Egg and Egg Products) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Fish and Fish Products) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Meat and Meat Products) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Organic Goods) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Rules 2020 Exposure Draft Export Control (Poultry Meat and Poultry Meat Products) Rules 2020 > The draft Rules and supporting information can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Water  and the Environment's website - https://www.agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/improving-export-legislation. The focus for consultation with stakeholders, including trading partners, is to ensure the improved legislative framework is fit-for-purpose – supporting growth and innovation, while maintaining the standards our trading partners expect. There is no change to Australia's commitment to meet the importing requirements of our trading partners, and the improved legislation will continue to meet Australia's international obligations – including those under the SPS agreement.

On 4 August 2020, Australia issued a SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/502) informing trading partners of its intention to implement emergency measures to high-risk plant products that are hosts of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of this pest.Australia has now commenced Phase 1 of the emergency measures. From 3 September 2020, high-risk plant products (in various raw and processed forms for any end use) will not be permitted entry from any country into Australia within unaccompanied personal effects (UPEs), or within low value air and sea freight (lodged through self-assessed clearance (SAC)), but excluding goods imported as commercial trade samples or for research purposes. Failure to comply with the emergency measures will result in export or destruction of the goods upon arrival in Australia.High-risk plant products within UPEs or imported as low value air and sea freight (SAC) that have not been inspected and released prior to 3 September 2020 will not be permitted entry into Australia. High-risk plant products found in consignments on inspection will be exported or destroyed.Further information on Phase 1 of the emergency measures is outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on the Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/Home/Notice/Addendums to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and implementation dates for subsequent phases. Specific details regarding the measures will be outlined in BICON on the Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website prior to the implementation date.High-risk plant productsThe emergency measures will be applied to the following plant products (in various raw and physically-processed forms for any end use), which have been identified as high-risk: Rice (Oryza sativa); Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum); Cucurbit seed (Cucurbita spp.; Cucumis spp.; Citrullus spp.); Cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum); Safflower seed (Carthamus tinctorius); Bean seed (Phaseolus spp.); Soybean (Glycine max); Mung beans, cowpeas (Vigna spp.); Lentils (Lens culinaris); Wheat (Triticum aestivum); Coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum); Celery seed (Apium graveolens); Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea); Dried chillies/capsicum (Capsicum spp.); Faba bean (Vicia faba); Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan); Pea seed (Pisum sativum); Fennel seed (Foeniculum spp.) >The following exclusions apply: goods that are thermally processed that are commercially manufactured and packaged such as retorted, blanched, roasted, fried, boiled, puffed, malted or pasteurised goods, fresh vegetables, and commercially manufactured frozen food and frozen plant products or oils derived from vegetables or seed.

This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals so that they are consistent with other national regulations relating to the safe and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals: Abamectin, Bifenazate, Bifenthrin, Bupirimate, Carfentrazone-ethyl, Clofentezine, Cyprodinil, Fludioxonil, Isofetamid, Metalaxyl, Metsulfuron-methyl, Phosphorous acid, Tolclofos-methyl and Triadimenol in specified plant commodities Isofetamid in specified animal commodities

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has released a draft review of the risk management of imported psittacine birds for a 60-day comment period. The draft report identifies, and includes the risk assessments for, 7 pests and diseases of biosecurity concerns. The draft review recommends that:- Imports be permitted from countries assessed and approved by Australia for this purpose.- Imported psittacine birds be subject to veterinary inspection, tests and time in quarantine, including at the department's quarantine facility at Mickleham, Victoria. The department intends to release a final review on the conditions for importation of household pet and aviary psittacine birds following consideration of submissions received in response to the draft review.

Notification to trading partners, that within the next two months Australia proposes to implement emergency measures to high risk plant products that are hosts of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of this pest.The emergency measures for high risk plant products will be implemented in a number of phases and include (but are not limited to): Prohibiting high risk plant products, from being brought in through non-commercial pathways i.e. luggage, mail and unaccompanied personal effects from all countries Introducing mandatory offshore treatment of high risk plant products from countries determined to pose an unacceptable khapra beetle risk. >III. Extending phytosanitary certification to all high risk plant products verifying freedom from species of TrogodermaProhibiting high risk plant products from being brought in through the unaccompanied personal effects pathway (phase 1) is expected to be implemented in August 2020. Addendums to this SPS notification will be published to notify the implementation date for phase 1; and to notify the measures and implementation dates for subsequent phases. Specific details regarding the measures will be outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) on the Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website prior to the implementation date.Additional measures for lower risk plant products are also being considered and may include extending phytosanitary certification to include verification of freedom from species of Trogoderma. Additional measures to manage the hitchhiking risk of khapra beetle in containers are being considered which may include treatments of containers prior to loading of goods; and treatment of empty containers. To assist with the implementation, Australia is requesting countries for relevant information consistent with ISPM 8 on the status of T. granarium in their territories. This notification provides an opportunity for Australia's trading partners to provide any information on the status of T. granarium in their countries, and to identify evidence to support their response.

Title of original notification This measure builds on G/SPS/N/AUS/479. Title of the notified document http://www.agriculture.gov.au/bmsb. In response to the rapid expansion of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) throughout Europe and North America, the Australian Government has added four more countries to be targeted for seasonal measures for the 2020-21 season to manage the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. Target risk countries have increased from 33 in the 2019-20 risk season to 37 in the 2020-21 season. Further information on the seasonal measures, including advice on target risk countries, measures for vessels, target high risk goods, measures relating to goods, exemptions, treatment options and rates, safeguarding arrangements and Industry Advice Notices are published on agriculture.gov.au/bmsb. The new countries to be affected are:KazakhstanPortugalMoldovaUkraineA pest risk analysis report that identifies BMSB as a pest requiring risk management measures in order to achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia was released in December 2019 and is available at:http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/plant/brown-marmorated-stink-bug

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has completed the risk analysis for the importation of fresh pomegranate whole fruit and processed ‘ready-to-eat' arils from India into Australia. The final report recommends a combination of risk management measures and a system of operational procedures that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of pomegranate whole fruit and processed arils from India to achieve Australia's appropriate level of protection. The final report recommends that the importation of fresh pomegranate whole fruit and processed arils from India into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of the phytosanitary measures, as outlined in the final report, for Bactrocera species (three species), a scale insect, spider mites (two species), thrips (three species), mealybugs (three species) and bacterial blight of pomegranate.The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment website on 18 October 2019 for a 60-day stakeholder consultation period and was notified to WTO members (G/SPS/N/AUS/487). The final report is available in English on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment website at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/plant/pomegranates-from-india.

On 9 November 2015 Australia notified of the implementation of emergency measures for the import of nursery stock, tissue cultures, cuttings, budwood, rooted plants, corms and bulbs against Xylella fastidiosa and related Xylella species.Based on additional information on the host range of Xylella bacteria, Australia notifies that emergency measures for Xylella will be extended to nursery stock belonging to the following nine additional plant families, effective 3 August 2020:·        Cannaceae·        Gesneriaceae·        Linaceae·        Polemoniaceae·        Resedaceae·        Scrophulariaceae·        Simmondsiaceae·        Strelitziaceae·        Tamaricaceae.These additions and current measures are described in the following link: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylella/notification-amended-emergency-quarantine-measures  When published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/

Describes alternative arrangements to the use of original paper phytosanitary certificates and health certificates due the impacts of COVID-19 on airfreight and courier mail. This temporary arrangement has been extended until 1 October 2020. Stakeholders will be notified of any further extension to this arrangement closer to this date.

Australia is undertaking a series of seed reviews of the import conditions for four key vegetable families: Apiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Brassicaceae and Solanaceae as a result of changes in risks associated with the international movement of these seeds. This review of cucurbitaceous vegetable seeds for sowing is the second of the series to be finalised.This review of cucurbitaceous vegetable seeds for sowing identified eight quarantine pests (one fungus and seven viruses) associated with the seeds of several cucurbitaceous vegetables.The identified quarantine pests are Bitter gourd yellow mosaic virus (BgYMV), Cucumber fruit mottle mosaic virus (CFMMV), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV), Diaporthe cucurbitae (formerly PhomopsiscucurbitaeKyuri green mottle mosaic virus (KGMMV), Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) and Zucchini green mottle mosaic virus (ZGMMV).The unrestricted risks of these quarantine pests do not achieve the appropriate level of protection (ALOP) for Australia. Consequently, additional pest risk management measures are required to manage the risks posed by the identified pests to achieve the ALOP for Australia.In addition to Australia's standard seeds for sowing import conditions, four pest risk management options are recommended for seeds of Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, Momordica charantia, Trichosanthes cucumerina and any hybrid of these species:·        Option 1. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test—an option that is applicable to all eight identified quarantine pests·        Option 2. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test—an option that is applicable to CGMMV, KGMMV, MNSV and ZGMMV·        Option 3. Broad spectrum fungicidal treatment—an option that is applicable to Diaporthe cucurbitae.·        Option 4. Heat treatment—an option that is applicable to MNSVIf the required treatment or testing is undertaken off-shore, phytosanitary certification is required with the additional declaration that the testing or treatment has been conducted in accordance with Australia's requirements.Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Lagenaria siceraria, Momordica charantia and Trichosanthes cucumerina seeds for sprouting or micro-greens production for human consumption are exempt from these additional measures if imported directly for germination at a production facility operated under an Approved Arrangement. This is to mitigate risks from the diversion of seeds to other end-uses.Seeds of most cucurbitaceous vegetable species reviewed were not found to be hosts of quarantine pests for Australia and they will continue to be subject only to the Australia's standard seeds for sowing import conditions.The draft report was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment's website on 6 December 2017 (G/SPS/N/AUS/439). Comments raised by stakeholders were taken into consideration in the preparation of the final report.The key changes made in the final report are:·        the inclusion of three additional quarantine pests (BgYMV, CFMMV and TBRV) associated with cucurbitaceous vegetable seeds·        the inclusion of other pest risk management options (heat treatment for MNSV and PCR testing for Diaporthe cucurbitae) that are suitable for both organic and non-organic seeds sectors.The completed final report is available in English on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment's website at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/plant/cucurbitaceous-crop-seeds.The recommendations of the final report will be introduced as a phased approach into Australia's import conditions. The first phase will commence on 12 June 2020 and the revised conditions are available on Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system:https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ViewElement/Element/Alert?elementPk=1338288.The implementation of further phases is dependent on risk management options being operationally available, which will be advised via further notifications.

This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals so that they are consistent with other national regulations relating to the safe and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals:Aclonifen, Azoxystrobin, Chlorantraniliprole, Cyproconazole, Emamectin, Etoxazole, Flonicamid, Fludioxonil, Glufosinate, Glyphosate, Indoxacarb, Linuron, Metcamifen, Napropamide, Novaluron, Permethrin, Prothioconazole and Pyridate in specified plant commodities. Aclonifen, Fludioxonil and Metcamifen in specified animal commodities

The draft report of the Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) and the confirmed measures to achieve Australia's appropriate level of protection for the import of fresh cut flowers and foliage from all countries was released on 22 May 2020.This report is a continuation of the Final report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1 which was released on 21 June 2019 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5). The Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) furthers the assessment of all other arthropod pests associated with imported cut flowers and foliage which were not covered in Part 1 (mites, aphids and thrips). Part 2 assesses the risk associated with the beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera), flies (Insecta: Diptera), bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera (other than aphids)), wasps, bees and ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera) and moths and butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera).New biosecurity import conditions for imported fresh cut flowers and foliage were implemented on 1 March 2018 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1). The draft report confirms that these changes are necessary to protect Australia's plant producers and the natural environment from exotic pests.The draft report includes:Summary; Introduction; Commercial trade and production; Cut flower and foliage pathway; Previous import policies and principles; Changing patterns of activity and risk; Pest risk assessment; Pest risk management; Conclusion. Notification of the release of the draft report is provided on the department's website, Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports ­– Part 2.

As set out in Animal Biosecurity Advice 2020-A03 published on the department's website on 14 May 2020 at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/memos The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has determined that interim import conditions for uncooked prawns imported into Australia are required to manage the risks associated with infection by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP). Australia's current import conditions for uncooked prawns (including freezing and head and shell removal) do not manage biosecurity risk for EHP to a level that meets Australia's appropriate level of protection. Deveining is considered the most effective and practically implementable interim measure for reducing the load of viable EHP spores in infected prawns. In response to the release of Animal Biosecurity Advice 2020-A02 ‘Proposed interim import conditions for uncooked prawns and prawn products imported for human consumption into Australia', the department received comments from 7 stakeholders during the 60-day comment period. These comments were considered when finalising the interim uncooked prawn import conditions.Uncooked prawns arriving in Australia on or after 1 July 2020 must be certified by the competent authority to have undergone a deveining step during processing. Uncooked prawns will continue to be subject to 100 per cent seals intact inspection on-arrival in Australia.If uncooked prawns do not meet the new interim import conditions they will be directed for re-export, disposal or treatment (e.g. cooking).The import conditions for uncooked prawns will remain ‘interim' while Australia finalises the Review of the biosecurity risks of prawns imported into Australia for human consumption as announced by Australia's Director of Biosecurity on 16 May 2017 (Biosecurity Advice 2017/07; G/SPS/N/AUS/422). The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment anticipates the draft report will be available for comment in mid-2020. Australia's updated model health certificate for prawns and prawn meat for human consumption is attached, which includes the additional attestation at Point 7.1 (2) for competent authorities to certify that uncooked prawns have been deveined. Wording has not changed since the release of the previous SPS notice proposing these changes (G/SPS/N/AUS/495). Trading partners are encouraged to implement the required certification changes and finalise changes with the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment in a timely manner to prevent disruptions to trade from 1 July 2020.

This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals so that they are consistent with other national regulations relating to the safe and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals: Bupirimate, Cyanamide, Cyazofamid, Diafenthiuron, Fludioxonil, Fluopicolide, Indoxacarb, Linuron, Metolachlor, Napropamide, Propamocarb in specified plant commodities and Paracetamol in specified animal commodities.

This Proposal seeks to amend the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code to align the following maximum residue limits (MRLs) for various agricultural and veterinary chemicals so that they are consistent with other national regulations relating to the safe and effective use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals:Chlorantraniliprole, Fluopyram, Methomyl, Spinetoram, Tetraniliprole, Trifloxystrobin and Trifludimoxazin in specified plant commodities, Tetraniliprole and Trifludimoxazin in specified animal commodities.