Notifications for Australia (406 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:Afidopyropen, Broflanilide, Difenoconazole, Dithiocarbamates, Emamectin, Imazamox, Imazapyr, Linuron, Propachlor, Pyraclostrobin and Tetraniliprole in specified plant commodities.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the final report: ‘Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products derived from bovines born and raised in Canada or Mexico and legally imported and slaughtered in the United States’ on 24 July 2025.The first draft for this risk review report was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website on 20 March 2024. This report is published as an addendum to the 2017 beef review. The United States has had market access for beef and beef products sourced from cattle that were born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States, since 2019. The report supports expanded access for the importation of fresh beef and beef products from the United States (US) derived from: Immediate slaughter, feeder, and breeder cattle born and raised in Canada and legally imported into the United States; Feeder and breeder cattle born and raised in Mexico and legally imported into the United States. The final report can be accessed here: Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products for human consumptionThe department has now released import conditions on Australia’s Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) database and relevant parts of the department’s website. Permit applications may now be submitted to the department for assessment.

Amendment to Australia’s List of Trogoderma Species of Biosecurity ConcernThis addendum is to notify trading partners of changes to Australia’s List of Trogoderma Species of Biosecurity Concern, under the Biosecurity Act 2015 ((available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/legislation/list-trogoderma-speciesThree species have been newly added to the list:Trogoderma serraticorneTrogoderma teuktonTrogoderma yunnaeunsisThese species (including all relevant synonyms and subordinate taxa) are of biosecurity concern to Australia due to their potential to enter via imported plant products, establish and spread in suitable conditions, and cause economic consequences to Australia’s grain and stored product industries. This amendment impacts the following existing biosecurity requirements for imported plant products by expanding the scope of Trogoderma species subject to pre-export inspection and certification:Prior to export, consignments of plant products must be inspected by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the exporting country and found free from evidence of any Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern, including khapra beetle (Trogoderma granariumA phytosanitary certificate must include the following additional declaration "Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead, or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concernThe requirements above apply to:high-risk plant products when exported from any country that is not listed as a khapra beetle target-risk countryother-risk plant products when exported from all countries.If any Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern are detected during inspection upon arrival in Australia, or if certification does not verify the absence of the listed Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern in accordance with the above requirements, the consignment will be subject to remedial action which may include re-export.Further information For all enquiries, please contact imports@aff.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with “Plant T2 – Khapra urgent actions”).

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has approved the use of a new fumigant, ethyl formate (EF) in combination with carbon dioxide (CO₂) for the treatment of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). A fumigation methodology has been developed in consultation with industry and experts, and sets out the minimum requirements for treatment providers performing ethyl formate fumigations for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes. The methodology and associated treatment documentation are available on the department’s websiteImplementation of ethyl formate will be phased, beginning with offshore use as a pre-shipment treatment for the 2025-26 BMSB season. Plans for onshore use in Australia will commence for the 2026-27 BMSB season. All pre-border treatment providers wishing to conduct ethyl formate treatments must be registered under AusTreat, the department’s pre-border biosecurity treatment provider scheme. BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in, or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period.

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:Bifenthrin, Chlorantraniliprole, Cyantraniliprole, Cyclobutrifluram, Isoxaben, Metalaxyl, Propamocarb and Trichlorfon in specified plant commodities;Cyclobutrifluram in specified animal commodities.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has published import conditions for fresh jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba) from China for human consumption.This approval has followed completion of a pest risk analysis published in January 2020 and establishment of agreed phytosanitary measures with the exporting country.Agreed phytosanitary measures and import conditions for fresh jujubes from China can be found in the BICON case 'Fresh jujubes for human consumption'.Importers must hold a valid permit. An import permit may be obtained by submitting an import permit application to the department using the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of the BICON case.

Import risk analysis of fresh guava fruit from Chinese Taipei.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has approved the ‘Shine Muscat’ variety of table grapes, for import into Australia, using existing pest risk management measures as published in the BICON case ‘Fresh grapes for human consumption from the Republic of Korea’. There are now three approved table grape varieties permitted for import from the Republic of Korea to Australia: Campbell Early, Kyoho, and Shine Muscat.

As notified in G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.19, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is implementing changes to its requirements for pre-border khapra beetle treatments and phytosanitary certification. The changes will take effect on 28 May 2025. There will be three key changes:Revised wording for gas permeable packaging additional declarationsThe wording of the existing additional declarations on the phytosanitary certificate to certify compliance with gas-permeability requirements will be changed to: For methyl bromide fumigations: “The goods were fumigated in gas permeable packaging.” OR “The goods were fumigated prior to being sealed in gas impermeable packaging.”For controlled atmosphere treatments:“The goods were treated in gas permeable packaging.” OR  “The goods were treated prior to being sealed in gas impermeable packaging.”This requirement will apply to high-risk plant products exported from khapra beetle target-risk countries that are treated offshore with methyl bromide fumigation or controlled atmosphere treatment to manage the risk of khapra beetle.2. New NPPO supervision requirement and additional declaration for certain providersMandatory supervision by the exporting countries National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) will be required for any pre-border khapra beetle methyl bromide or heat treatments undertaken by treatment providers that are listed as:Suspended, Under Review, or Withdrawn on Australia’s list of registered treatment providersUnacceptable or Under Review on Australia’s list of unregistered treatment providersNote: This requirement applies to khapra beetle treatments of both plant products and shipping containers.The phytosanitary certificate accompanying these consignments must contain the following new additional declaration to certify compliance with the requirement:For methyl bromide fumigations: “Themonitoring of start and end point concentration readings were conducted under direct NPPO supervision, and the treatment was performed in accordance with Australia’s methyl bromide fumigation methodology as per theattached methyl bromide fumigation certificate [insert certificate number].”For heat treatments: “The temperature sensors were placed under direct NPPO supervision, and the treatment was performed in accordance with Australia’s heat treatment methodology as per the attached heat treatment certificate [insert certificate number].”3. Removal of the fourth concentration sampling tube for container fumigation treatmentsMethyl bromide fumigation treatments of sea containers to manage the risk of khapra beetle currently require a fourth concentration sampling tube positioned underneath the container. Following a review of the effectiveness of the fourth sampling tube, this requirement is being removed. This change will align khapra beetle fumigations with standard fumigation practices where a minimum of three concentration sampling tubes will be required in accordance with Australia’s Methyl bromide fumigation methodologyWhen the changes will commence:These revised requirements will come into effect on 28 May 2025. They will apply only to consignments where the phytosanitary certificate is issued on or after 28 May 2025, regardless of the date the consignment arrived in Australia.For any phytosanitary certification issued before 28 May 2025, the current measures will continue to apply.A transitional period will be provided to facilitate compliance. During this period, treatments that meet the old requirements will still be accepted. Once the transitional period ends, all pre-border khapra beetle treatments and associated phytosanitary certificates must comply with the updated requirements. The dates for the transitional period are yet to be finalised but will be published on our website once confirmed.Virtual information sessionsWe are holding two online information sessions to outline the key changes, expected impacts and compliance requirements. There will be two separate information sessions held. National Plant Protection Organizations and offshore treatment providers are invited to attend Session 1. Session 2 is intended for Australian importers and brokers. Session 1 will take place on Thursday 15 May 2025, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm (AEST). It will be held online via Microsoft Teams Live EventThis is a free event. To attend, please visit our Humanitix webpage and click on the 'Get Tickets' button, and register for Session 1Further informationPlease refer to our webpages and factsheet for further information on these changes: Webpage 1: Measures for plant products under the khapra beetle urgent actionsWebpage 2: Measures for sea containers under the khapra beetle urgent actionsFactsheetUpcoming changes to treatment and certification requirements

Import risk analysis of fresh pomelo fruit from Viet Nam.

Description of content: The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is replacing the current Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology Version 2.0 with version 3.0 of the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology (the methodology) on 1 May 2025. The methodology sets out the minimum requirements for treatment providers performing methyl bromide fumigations on commodities and/or associated packaging suited to such treatments for Quarantine and Pre-shipment purposes. Treatment providers treating goods with methyl bromide destined for Australia need to comply with the methodology in accordance with Australian import conditions.  The published document has been available since 5 August 2024 on the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology – Prepare now for 2025 update page.The new methodology will come into force on the 1 May 2025. There are changes to the documentation requirements for both the record of fumigation and treatment certificate. New templates are available on the Prepare Now webpage.To ensure a smooth transition to the new requirements, Australia will continue to accept treatment certificates issued under the version 2.0 requirements until 30 June 2025. After this date, treatment certificates must comply with the requirements of version 3.0 of Australia’s Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology. There will be no changes to phytosanitary certificate requirements as a result of this change.

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.  Further to notifications: G/SPS/N/AUS/376; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.1; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.2; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.3; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.4; G/SPS/N/AUS/538; G/SPS/N/AUS/557; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.5; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.6, and G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.7 and based on additional information on the host range and distribution of Xylella fastidiosa and related Xylella species, Australia notifies that emergency measures for Xylella will be extended to nursery stock belonging to all species within the Cannabis genus from 11 April 2025. Additionally, Australia notifies that enhanced regulatory measures are being introduced on 28 April 2025 for host nursery stock exported from Iraq.  These changes will ensure that Australia’s import conditions continue to be effective in reducing the risk of Xylella from entering Australia. When published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON): https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/.

Australia currently has emergency measures in place to manage the risk of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) entering the country. This includes mandatory pre-border treatment of high-risk plant products and certain sea containers that are packed in khapra beetle target-risk countries. On 28 May 2025, Australia is implementing changes to its policy and phytosanitary certification requirements for pre-border khapra beetle treatments. The changes are: Revision to the wording of existing phytosanitary certification declarations used to certify compliance with gas-permeability requirements for certain khapra beetle treatments.Introduction of mandatory supervision by the relevant exporting National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) for certain khapra beetle treatments. A new phytosanitary certification declaration will be required to certify compliance with this requirement.Removal of the fourth concentration sampling tube requirement for methyl bromide fumigation of sea containers.Further details on these changes are provided below and in the supplementary factsheet. Change 1: Revised wording for gas permeable packaging additional declarations From 28 May 2025, the wording of existing phytosanitary declarations used to certify compliance with gas-permeability requirements will be revised as follows:“The goods were fumigated in gas permeable packaging.”OR “The goods were fumigated prior to being sealed in gas impermeable packaging.”This requirement will apply to high-risk plant products exported from khapra beetle target-risk countries that are treated offshore with methyl bromide fumigation or controlled atmosphere treatment to manage the risk of khapra beetle. Further information on this change is detailed in Table 1 of the factsheet. The intention of this change is to clarify Australia’s requirements for the gas permeability of a product’s packaging at the time of treatment. It does not introduce a new requirement. Change 2: New NPPO supervision requirement and additional declaration for certain providersFrom 28 May 2025, khapra beetle treatments must be directly supervised by the relevant NPPO if they are conducted by a treatment provider that is listed as:Suspended, Under Review, or Withdrawn on Australia’s list of registered treatment providersUnacceptable or Under Review on Australia’s list of unregistered treatment providersThis requirement will apply to plant products and sea containers that are already subject to mandatory pre-border khapra beetle methyl bromide or heat treatment. This includes high-risk plant products and certain Full Container Load (FCL), or Full Container Consolidated (FCX) sea containers packed in a khapra beetle target-risk country. Details on the applicable FCL and FCX sea containers subject to this requirement are provided in the attached factsheet.The phytosanitary certificate accompanying these consignments must contain a new phytosanitary declaration to certify compliance with the requirement as follows:For methyl bromide fumigations: The monitoring of start and end point concentration readings were conducted under direct NPPO supervision, and the treatment was performed in accordance with Australia’s methyl bromide fumigation methodology as per the attached methyl bromide fumigation certificate [insert certificate number].”For heat treatments: The temperature sensors were placed under direct NPPO supervision, and the treatment was performed in accordance with Australia’s heat treatment methodology as per the attached heat treatment certificate [insert certificate number].”Further information on this change is detailed in Table 2 of the factsheet. Note: treatments conducted by treatment providers that are listed as ‘Approved’ on the list of treatment providers or ‘Generic’ on the list of unregistered treatment providers are not affected by this change and should continue to follow existing requirements. Change 3: Removal of fourth concentration sampling tube requirement for container fumigation treatmentsFrom 28 May 2025, methyl bromide fumigation of sea containers for khapra beetle will no longer require a fourth concentration sampling tube positioned underneath the container.This follows a review on the effectiveness of the fourth concentration sampling tube. Whilst there was a small difference in concentration readings taken from inside the container compared with underneath the container, these readings remain within the threshold for equilibrium and minimum required concentration. On this basis, three sampling tubes are sufficient to ensure effective penetration of gas under the container floor.This change will align khapra beetle fumigations with standard fumigation practices and simplify treatments.When the changes will commence:These changes will take effect on 28 May 2025. Phytosanitary certificates issued on or after 28 May should comply with the new requirements. A transitional period will be provided to facilitate compliance. During this period, treatments that meet the old requirements will still be accepted. Once the transitional period ends, all pre-border khapra beetle treatments and associated phytosanitary certificates must comply with the updated requirements. The dates for the transitional period are yet to be finalised but will be published on our website once confirmed.Further informationWe will be hosting an online information session about these changes in May. More details, including registration information, will be shared with affected stakeholders via email. For further information, visit our website or contact us at offshoretreatments@aff.gov.au

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. Further to notifications: G/SPS/N/AUS/376, G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.1, G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.2, G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.3, G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.4, G/SPS/N/AUS/538, G/SPS/N/AUS/557, G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.5 and G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.6, Australia is transitioning from regulating Xylella fastidiosa and related Xylella species at plant family level to plant genus level for all exporting countries by 23 May 2025.Australia considers that regulation at genus level provides an appropriate level of protection (ALOP) and will continue to safely facilitate trade in line with international obligations. A list of Xylella host genera is available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylellaFurther details are available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Import Industry Advice Notices webpage: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/13-2025 When published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON): https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/

The first draft notification for this risk review was notified to WTO Members on 9 February 2023 (G/SPS/N/AUS/561) and was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) website on 31 January 2023. The second draft report, that took comments received into consideration, was notified to WTO Members on 22 April 2024 (G/SPS/N/AUS/561/Add.1)with a 60-day notification period ending on 17 June 2024.The department has now released the Import Risk Review for dairy products for human consumption – final report.The review modernises Australia's dairy import conditions to reflect the current and future trading environment for these goods. It considered the biosecurity risks associated with importing (from any country) dairy products for human consumption that are manufactured from milk obtained from domestic cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats. It takes into account new and relevant peer-reviewed scientific information, international standards, relevant changes in industry practices, and operational practicalities.The review proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks of the following identified hazards of biosecurity concern for imported dairy products: foot-and-mouth disease virus, sheep pox and goat pox virus, peste des petits ruminants virus and scrapie agent. As a result of the review, expanded risk management options are now available for dairy products from countries not recognised by the department as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or sheep and goat pox. Specific risk management for lumpy skin disease virus in imported dairy products is no longer required. Risk management measures are now required for peste des petits ruminants virus in imported dairy products (except for cheese). It is anticipated there will be a transition period of at least 12 months. Trade will continue as normal, while new health certificates are negotiated.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and  Forestry has  released the final report: Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products for human consumption from CanadaThe first draft for this risk review was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) website on 11 December 2023.This review is an addendum and adds Canada as an applicant country to the 2017 beef review and means that Canada will have the same status as the Netherlands and Vanuatu. The next step in the process for the department is to complete Canada’s competent authority assessment to determine if Canada’s official animal health, export control, and supervision systems will ensure that Australia’s biosecurity and food safety requirements are reliably met.

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. Further to notifications: G/SPS/N/AUS/376; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.1; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.2; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.3; G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.4; G/SPS/N/AUS/538; G/SPS/N/AUS/557; and G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.5, and based on newly-published information about the presence of X. fastidiosa in China, Australia now considers China to be a high-risk country for X. fastidiosa and related Xylella species.  Enhanced regulatory measures are being introduced for imported host nursery stock from China to ensure that Australia’s import conditions continue to be effective in reducing the risk of X. fastidiosa and related Xylella species from entering Australia.  Additionally, Australia is updating its Xylella emergency measures to transition from regulating host nursery stock plant material at the family level to the genus level. Australia considers that regulation at genus level provides an appropriate level of protection (ALOP) and will continue to safely facilitate trade in line with international obligations. A list of Xylella host genera is available at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylella/notification-amended-emergency-quarantine-measures Due to the scale of required amendments, these changes will be implemented in two phases: • Phase 1: Application of import regulations to host genera nursery stock material from China from 31 January 2025. The measures will require host nursery stock material from China to undergo increased testing, treatment and pre-export certification; • Phase 2: Regulations will transition from family level to genus level for all other exporting countries by the end of 2025. Current import conditions will apply until they are updated. Further details are available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Import Industry Advice Notices webpage: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2025/13-2025 When published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON): https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/.

Australia is replacing the current Export Documentation System (EXDOC) with a system called the Next Export Documentation System (NEXDOC). NEXDOC is designed to make Australia’s export documentation system more secure and responsive to changes in trade conditions.Australia’s generic export certificate, titled Declaration and Certificate to condition, which is used for a range of goods, will soon transition to the department’s NEXDOC system. This certification supports the export of processed foods and beverages, edible animal fats and oils, vitamins and supplements, animal feed and feed additives, shells, fertilisers, and human and animal remains where a model certificate is not used. In addition, Australian export documentation for the re-export of imported goods which have not been processed or repackaged in Australia will soon transition to the department’s NEXDOC system.These goods are the next commodities to transition after wool, skins and hides (November 2024), fish (September 2024), eggs (December 2023), honey (2022-2023), and dairy (May 2021).The planned changes do not affect the agreed conditions or attestations for market access, bilaterally agreed information about the consignment details, or the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) regulatory controls over exports. However, there are minor changes to formatting and the location of some of the information on the certificate. In addition, the new certificates will have unique Quick Response (QR) codes. The QR codes provide consignment specific information which border officials can use to confirm authenticity of the certificate in real-time. To verify the QR code, border officials scan the code through the official's smart phone camera.The department proposes the new export certificates (Declaration and Certificate to condition) be issued for:Australian exports of processed foods and beverages, edible animal fats and oils, vitamins and supplements, animal feed and feed additives, shells, fertilisers and human and animal remains;Australian re-exports of imported goods which have not been re-processed or re-packaged in Australia.This will commence from 10 February 2025, with a staged rollout until 5 May 2025. There will be a transition period where both the old and new certificates will be in use to allow for transit time (air and sea freight) to the port of destination.  Australia is allowing a thirty days comment period.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has updated its fresh cut flower and foliage host list for Phytophthora ramorum to include the following genera: Adiantum spp., Dryopteris spp., Rosa spp. and Viburnum spp.As a result of this update, the department will remove import conditions for these genera of fresh cut flowers and foliage imported from Argentina and Japan for ornamental purposes from Australia’s Biosecurity Imports Condition Database (BICON).This change will occur on 20 December 2024.P. ramorum is a significnat pest for Australia. The changes to import conditions for Argentina and Japan are consistent with Australia’s  import policy for fresh cut flower and foliage hosts of P. ramorum for all countries where this pathogen is known to be present

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:Aminoethoxyvinylglycine, Boscalid, Famoxadone, MCPA, Methoxyfenozide and Pyraclostrobin in specified plant commodities. Famoxadone in specified animal commodities.