Notifications for Australia (406 notifications)

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the draft Biosecurity Import Risk Review for the Importation of live garden snails (Cornu aspersum) for heliciculture, for comment. The draft report assesses the risk of pathogenic agents associated with this species of garden snail. The draft report proposes that live garden snails can be permitted import into Australia, provided they comply with a range of biosecurity measures, including post-arrival quarantine. These measures are supported by risk assessments, meet Australia's international rights and obligations, and are necessary to protect the health of Australian plants and animals.The draft report can be accessed athttps://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.auTrading partners are invited to provide comments on the draft report until 7 October 2024 (60-day comment period).The department will carefully consider all comments while preparing the final report.

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 over time and responsive to changes in trade conditions.Australia’s export documentation for fish and fish products will soon transition to the department’s NEXDOC system. These goods are the next commodities to transition after dairy, which transitioned in 2021, honey and apiculture products in 2022 and eggs, in 2023. The planned changes do not affect the agreed conditions or attestations for market access, bilaterally agreed information about the consignment details, or the department’s regulatory controls over exports. However, there are minor changes to grammar, spelling, 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 be issued for:Australian exports of fish and fish products.This will commence from 30 September 2024. 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 sixty days comment period.

Proposal P1055 proposes to amend the definitions for ‘food produced using gene technology’ and ‘gene technology’ in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code) to ensure it is clear what foods are genetically modified (GM) for Code purposes, while also ensuring that foods are regulated according to the risk they pose. FSANZ has prepared a draft variation to the Code, which extends across six food standards and four schedules. Key aspects include:Repealing the existing definitions for ‘food produced using gene technology’ and ‘gene technology’ and replacing them with a new definition for ‘genetically modified food’ based around the presence of novel DNA in the organism from which the food is derived;Explicit exclusions from the GM food definition for substances added to food, substances used in cell culture media for the production of cell-cultured food, and food from null segregant organisms and grafted plants;New definitions for ‘novel DNA’, ‘novel protein’ and ‘null segregant’.The primary objective of the Proposal is to ensure clarity on which foods are GM foods for Code purposes, while also accommodating new and emerging technologies for genetic modification and changes in the international regulatory context. The proposed amendments would provide a clear definition for GM food for enforcement purposes and reduce uncertainty about which foods require pre-market assessment as GM foods, while continuing to protect public health and safety.No transition period is proposed. The proposed variations to the six Standards and four Schedules are:unlikely to have any impact on products currently on the market; or are deregulatory in nature and provide exemptions to current requirements for products on the market.The standard 12 month stock in trade provisions in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code will apply.We are notifying other aspects of these measures under the Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

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:Cyazofamid, 2,4-D, Emamectin, Flonicamid, Fluopyram, Fluxapyroxad, Isocycloseram, Mesotrione, Methoxyfenozide, Metolachlor, Metribuzin and Quinoxyfen in specified plant commodities;Mefentrifluconazole in specified animal commodities.The proposed increase to the 2,4-D Walnuts MRLfrom 0.05 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg is considered to be trade facilitating noting that Codex, the European Union and the United States of America have established 2,4‑D MRLs/tolerances for Tree nuts at 0.2 mg/kg. Therefore, this specific MRL change will progress without the normal consultation period.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is introducing AusTreat, a government to industry pre-border biosecurity treatment provider assurance scheme replacing the existing Offshore Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) Treatment Providers Scheme.AusTreat will affect stakeholders involved with importing goods that require treatment to address the risk of BMSB during the BMSB risk season.Treatment providers will be able to register for AusTreat from June 2024 ahead of the 2024/25 BMSB risk season.This document will open for review in 12 months and be free to comment on by international governments.

Australia has updated the import conditions for the import of fresh loose tomatoes for human consumption from New Zealand grown under a Code of Practice for Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP), adding Pepino Mosaic Virus (PepMV) under the Code of Practice.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the final report for the Biosecurity import risk analysis of live sturgeon for aquaculture (the sturgeon BIRA).The sturgeon BIRA assessed the biosecurity risks associated with the import of live sturgeon (Acipenser and Huso species) from all countries for aquaculture.The final BIRA report recommends that Acipenser and Huso species be permitted import into Australia, provided they comply with a range of appropriate biosecurity measures. These measures include sourcing from disease-free stocks, pre-export and post-arrival quarantine, parasite treatment, egg disinfection and testing for disease agents. In addition to the biosecurity measures required under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the import of live sturgeon and their reproductive material into Australia also have requirements under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and under relevant Australian state and territory legislation.Before an import permit application to import live sturgeon and their reproductive material for aquaculture purposes can be considered by the department or the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, several activities need to be completed and the final import conditions published on our Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) webpage. Please refer to the implementation statement for these activities at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal/live-sturgeon-for-aquacultureThe provisional sturgeon BIRA was notified to WTO Members on 13 March 2024 (G/SPS/N/AUS/582) with a referral period ending 11 April 2024.

Import risk analysis of fresh pomelo fruit from Viet Nam

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a draft review entitled Importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen from approved countries – draft report for a 60 day consultation period.The review takes into account peer-reviewed scientific information, advice from scientific experts, and relevant operational practicalities. The review identifies and assesses hazards of biosecurity concern associated with the importation of zoo hippopotamuses and their semen. A review of disease agents is included. The department intends to release a final review on the import conditions for zoo hippopotamuses following consideration of submissions received in response to the draft report.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has released the Import Risk Review for dairy products for human consumption: second draft report (the review) for a 60-day consultation period.The first draft report for this risk review was notified to WTO Members on 9 February 2023 (G/SPS/N/AUS/561) and was published on the department's website on 31 January 2023 for a 60-day stakeholder consultation period ending 14 April 2023.The review aims to modernize Australia’s dairy import conditions to reflect the current and future trading environment. It considers the biosecurity risks associated with importing (from any country) dairy products for human consumption 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 department received a number of submissions on the first draft report for the import risk review for dairy products for human consumption. In consideration of these submissions and new available research, the department has made changes to the review. The department is now releasing a second draft report for consultation in order for these changes to be considered by stakeholders.The review identified five hazards of biosecurity concern for imported dairy products. We undertook risk assessments for each and proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks.The second draft report proposes expanded risk management options for countries not recognised by the department as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or sheep and goat pox.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the Import risk review for dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media: Final report (the review).This review aimed to modernise Australia’s dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media import conditions to appropriately reflect the level of biosecurity risk and simplify import permit conditions. It considered the biosecurity risks associated with importing (from any country) dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media. It has taken into account new and relevant peer-reviewed scientific information, international standards, relevant changes in industry practices and operational practicalities.The review identified two hazards of biosecurity concern for imported dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media. Risk assessments were undertaken for each hazard and measures have been developed to manage the biosecurity risks.The review includes baseline risk management measures for dehydrated and pre-sterilised microbiological media and specific risk management will continue to be required for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and scrapie.

Australia has published import conditions for the import of fresh chilli fruit from Fiji (except the Island of Rotuma). Three varieties of fresh chillies are permitted to be imported into Australia – ‘bird’s eye’, ‘hot rod’ and ‘red fire’. Australia and Fiji have agreed to the phytosanitary measure, conditional non-host, to manage the quarantine fruit flies, Bactrocera passiflorae and Bactrocera xanthodes, to achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has released the draft review for the Animal biosecurity risks of fresh beef and beef products derived from bovines born and raised in Canada or Mexico and legally imported and slaughtered in the United States for comment.The draft review focusses on whether the biosecurity risk of fresh (chilled and frozen) beef and beef products derived from bovines born and raised in Canada or Mexico and legally imported and slaughtered in the United States is different to product derived from bovines born, raised and slaughtered in the United States.The findings of the draft review support that the current United States Department of Agriculture protocols for the import of bovines from Canada and Mexico apply control measures which can address Australia’s biosecurity concerns for beef sourced from immediate slaughter and other-than-immediate slaughter bovines legally imported from Canada and immediate slaughter, feeder and breeder bovines legally imported from Mexico. The draft review can be accessed at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal/fresh-chilled-frozen-beefTrading partners are invited to provide comments on the draft review until 11:59 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) 20 May 2024.Comments may also be submitted through this website: https://app.converlens.com/agriculture-au/us-beef-sourced-from-canadian-or-mexican-cattleThe department will carefully consider all comments while preparing the final review.

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:Ametoctradin, Cypermethrin, Ethephon, Fluxapyroxad, Ipflufenoquin, Mefentrifluconazole, Metalaxyl and Pyraclostrobin in specified plant commodities;Bupivacaine and Lignocaine in specified animal commodities.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released the provisional report for the Biosecurity import risk analysis of live sturgeon for aquaculture (the sturgeon BIRA).The sturgeon BIRA assesses the biosecurity risks associated with the import of live sturgeon (Acipenser and Huso species) from all countries for aquaculture.The provisional BIRA report proposes that Acipenser and Huso species be permitted import into Australia, provided they comply with appropriate biosecurity measures. These measures include sourcing from disease-free stocks, pre-export and post-arrival quarantine, parasite treatment, egg disinfection and testing for disease agents. The provisional BIRA report can be accessed athttps://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal/live-sturgeon-for-aquacultureAs per the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, release of the provisional report initiates a 30-calendar day Inspector General of Biosecurity (IGB) referral period. If referred, the IGB will only review the process used to conduct the sturgeon BIRA, not the science within the report. This referral period will close on 11:59 pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), 11 April 2024. If there is no referral or the IGB decides that a review is not appropriate, the provisional report will be published as the final BIRA report as soon as practical.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has finalized a risk analysis in response to the market access request for fresh passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) from Viet Nam into Australia for human consumption. 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 fresh passionfruit from Viet Nam to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.The final report recommends that the importation of fresh passionfruit from Viet Nam into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of the phytosanitary measures, as outlined in the final report for species of false spider mite, fruit flies, mealybug, scale insects, spider mite and thrips of biosecurity concern to Australia.The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department’s website on 13 July 2023 for a 60-day stakeholder consultation period and notified in G/SPS/N/AUS/570.The completed final report is available in English on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at:

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has published its final report: Biosecurity risks of lumpy skin disease via fresh (chilled and frozen) skeletal muscle meat derived from bovines.The draft report for this risk analysis was notified to WTO members on 26 June 2023 (G/SPS/N/AUS/567) and was published on the department's website on 27 June 2023 for a 30-day stakeholder consultation period ending 26 July 2023.The final report takes into account all comments received during the public consultation process concerning these matters. The final report’s findings are consistent with international standards for beef derived from bovine skeletal muscle from trading partners that meet standard international practices for the hygienic production, storage and transportation of meat and meat products.The final report recommends that Australia amends its requirements for the importation of fresh beef derived exclusively from bovine skeletal muscle by deletion of the requirement for certification that the approved country of origin and supply is free from lumpy skin disease or LSD. On the basis of the evidence available it does not propose amendment to existing requirements for offals, bone and other bovine carcase tissues.Existing requirements for beef will be amended in the department’s online biosecurity conditions webpage, Australia’s Biosecurity Import Conditions website (BICON: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/), and trading partners will be able to continue to trade under existing conditions and/or the new conditions following that time depending on their animal health status for lumpy skin disease.The final report can be requested from Australia’s National Notification Authority (refer below) or directly accessed by following the link at:https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/animal

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 based on additional information on the host range of Xylella bacteria, Australia notifies that emergency measures for Xylella will be extended to nursery stock and tissue cultures belonging to the following additional plant family, effective 8 December 2023: Simaroubaceae.These additions and current measures are described in the following links: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylella/notification-amended-emergency-quarantine-measureswww.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylellaWhen published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON):  https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/

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:Broflanilide, Acequinocyl, Afidopyropen, Clothianidin, Cyclaniliprole, Cyprodinil, Difenoconazole, Fludioxonil, Fluxapyroxad, Glufosinate and Glufosinate-ammonium, Mandipropamid, MCPA, Oxathiapiprolin, Pyraclostrobin and Thiamethoxam in specified plant commodities.Broflanilide in specified animal commodities.

Australia has conducted a policy review of the Australian import conditions for whole egg, egg yolk, and egg white powder. The report recommends new heat treatment requirements which are lower than existing heat treatment requirements and are closer to standard industry practices be added as an alternative option to existing heat treatment requirements. The new conditions ensure continuity of trade and manage the biosecurity risks to meet Australia's appropriate level of protection.