Notifications for Australia (406 notifications)
The implementation date for Industry Advice Notice (IAN) 02-2023 has been extended from 1 May 2023 until 1 June 2023.Prior to 1 June 2023, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will issue further information to clarify Australia’s acceptance of paper phytosanitary certificates, that have been electronically stamped/signed and where they include the QR code or weblink to enable online verification of the document.Details are available on the department’s website:
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:- Dodine, Fipronil, Fluopicolide, Indaziflam, Inpyrfluxam, Ipflufenoquin, Mandestrobin, Mesotrione, Metrafenone, Propamocarb, Proquinazid, Prosulfocarb, Pyraclostrobin, Sethoxydim and Tetraniliprole in specified plant commodities;- Fluralaner, Indaziflam, Inpyrfluxam and Ipflufenoquin in specified animal commodities.
Australia will no longer regulate for blueberry rust (Thekopsora minima) on fresh blueberries and cranberries grown in New Zealand and imported into Western Australia and Tasmania.The quarantine status of blueberry rust in Western Australia and Tasmania has changed and is no longer under official control. As a result, Australia has removed the conditions for fresh blueberries and cranberries grown in New Zealand imported into these states to be free from blueberry rust in alignment with the import conditions for all Australian states and territories, other than South Australia.Australia will continue to regulate for blueberry rust on fresh blueberries and cranberries grown in New Zealand imported into South Australia.Further details of the import conditions for fresh blueberries and cranberries grown in New Zealand are available on the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions website (BICON): https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has finalised a risk analysis in response to the market access request for commercially produced fresh okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus) from India to 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 commercially produced fresh okra fruit from India to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection. The final report recommends that the importation of commercially produced fresh okra fruit from India to Australia be permitted, subject to the application of the phytosanitary measures, as outlined in the final report for species of fruit flies, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites and thrips of biosecurity concern to Australia. The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department’s website on 20 June 2022 for a 60-day stakeholder consultation period and via an SPS notification published on 2 September 2022, also for a 60-day stakeholder consultation period (G/SPS/N/AUS/545). The completed final report is available in English on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/plant/okra-from-india
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has finalised a risk analysis in response to the market access request for greenhouse-grown fresh oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from the Republic of Korea (Korea) 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 oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.The final report recommends that the importation of fresh greenhouse-grown oriental melon and rockmelon fruit from Korea into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of the phytosanitary measures, as outlined in the final report, for fruit flies, spider mites, and thrips species of biosecurity concern to Australia.The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department’s website on 6 June 2022 for a 60 day stakeholder consultation period (G/SPS/N/AUS/537).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 has released the Import risk review for dairy products for human consumption: draft report (the review) for a 60-day consultation period.The review aims to modernise 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 review identified six hazards of biosecurity concern for imported dairy products. We undertook risk assessments for each and proposed measures to manage the biosecurity risks.The draft report proposes expanded risk management options for countries not recognised by the department as free from foot-and-mouth disease and/or lump skin disease and/or sheep and goat pox.
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:Acetamiprid, Bifenthrin, Cyfluthrin, Dithiocarbamates, Flazasulfuron, Fluopyram, Methoxyfenozide, Procymidone, Spinetoram, Sulfoxaflor and Trifloxystrobin in specified plant commodities;Flazasulfuron, Methoxyfenozide, Procymidone and Sulfoxaflor in specified animal commodities.
Australia released the Review of rabies virus risk in imported dogs, cats and canine semen from approved countries – Final report on 12 January 2023. All comments on the draft report for this policy review were considered in the finalisation process.The new import conditions will be implemented from 1 March 2023. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will contact all affected import permit holders to provide advice about how these changes affect their permits. Further details on the import conditions will be provided on the department’s website at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides prior to implementation.Model certification including veterinary export health certificates have been provided which can be used to facilitate trade immediately after implementation. Australia would like to commence negotiation of specific veterinary health certificates with all approved countries by 1 September 2023.
This notification describes Australia's requirements for the acceptance of paper phytosanitary certificates for the importation of plant-based goods into Australia from 1 May 2023.Clarification is required due to the cessation of an interim policy during the peak impacts of COVID-19 and the presentation of hard (paper) copies of phytosanitary certificates that are not signed, dated and stamped in accordance with ISPM 12.From 1 May 2023, paper phytosanitary certificates must have all required information in accordance with ISPM12, including being signed, dated and stamped. This applies to all paper phytosanitary certificates dated on or after 1 May 2023.Australia will not accept paper phytosanitary certificates dated on or after 1 May 2023 presented with QR codes only and without a signature, date and stamp.Australia will not accept ePhytos or eCerts without prior agreement and arrangements for electronic exchange. Paper certification in accordance with ISPM 12 will continue to be required until ePhytos or eCerts are bilaterally negotiated between Australia and the exporting NPPO.Details of the notification are provided in the following Industry Advice Notice:https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/import/industry-advice/2023/02-2023
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry initiated a pest risk analysis to assess the biosecurity risks of all Xylella species, and to determine whether the emergency measures manage the biosecurity risks associated with the trade in commercially produced plants for planting and seeds for sowing.The draft report contains details of:Xylella as a plant pathogen, including an overview of biology, insect vectors, plants hosts, geographical distribution, transmission pathways, diagnosis and treatment;Pest risk assessment of Xylella spp. associated with nursery stock and seed for sowing;Pest risk management which proposes risk management measures, combined with operational systems, and/or a period of post-entry quarantine in Australia prior to release, to ensure biosecurity standards are met.This pest risk analysis relates to following SPS notifications regarding emergency measures for nursery stock, tissue culture and seed for sowing pathways against Xylellafastidiosa and related Xylella species: 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 and G/SPS/N/AUS/538.
The draft report proposes that the importation of commercially produced dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp. that were previously known as Hylocereus spp. and hybrids thereof) to Australia from all commercial export production areas of the Philippines be permitted, subject to a range of biosecurity requirements.The draft report contains details of pests that are of biosecurity concern to Australia that are potentially associated with the importation of commercially produced dragon fruit from the Philippines, the risk assessments for the identified quarantine pests, and the proposed risk management measures to reduce biosecurity risks to an acceptable level.
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, Aminopyralid, Atrazine, Azoxystrobin, Bifenthrin, Bixlozone, Butafenacil, Clomazone, Clopyralid, Clothianidin, Cyhalothrin, Cypermethrin, Diafenthiuron, Dimpropyridaz, Emamectin, Flonicamid, Florylpicoxamid, Fludioxonil, Fluquinconazole, Flutriafol, Glufosinate and Glufosinate-ammonium, Glyphosate, Halauxifen-methyl, Haloxyfop, Imazamox, Imazapic, Imazapyr, Imidacloprid, Iprodione, Isocycloseram, Linuron, Maldison, Mefentrifluconazole, Methomyl, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Napropamide, Oryzalin, Penflufen, Permethrin, Pirimicarb, Procymidone, Propyzamide, Prothioconazole, Pydiflumetofen, Quizalofop-ethyl, Quizalofop-p-tefuryl, Sedaxane, Sethoxydim, Simazine, Spinetoram, Sulfoxaflor, Tebuconazole, Terbuthylazine, Tetraniliprole, Thiamethoxam, Tiafenacil and Trifloxystrobin in specified plant commodities.Dimpropyridaz, Florylpicoxamid, Isocycloseram and Tetraniliprole in specified animal commodities.
Following a review of Australia’s import conditions for fresh Persian/Tahitian limes, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is removing the risk management requirement for citrus scab (Elsinöe fawcettii syn. Sphaceloma fawcettii) for Tahitian limes from New Caledonia. The purpose of removing this requirement for New Caledonia is to ensure citrus scab is managed consistently across all fresh lime import pathways into Australia.
The Australian Government is seeking to establish a long-term sustainable funding model to strengthen and modernise Australia’s national biosecurity system.Australia’s biosecurity system needs to be adaptable to meet new challenges and to respond quickly to maintain the appropriate level of protection required.No decision on a sustainable funding model has been taken, but in the interests of transparency, as part of a public consultation a discussion paper has been released seeking stakeholders’ views on options for funding Australia’s biosecurity system.The discussion paper considers options that have been proposed previously by stakeholders. They do not only reflect current funding arrangements.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has undertaken a review of the biosecurity risk associated with glanders (Burkholderia mallei) in horses and horse semen. The review report has now been finalised. Trade may continue for countries previously approved for the import of horses and horse semen into Australia in accordance with the import requirements detailed in the review report.
As set out in Animal Biosecurity Advice 2022-A07 (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/memos), from 31 October 2022, revised import conditions will apply for fish and fish products imported into Australia for use as pet food and stockfeed.Following public consultation on a review of a prescribed heat treatment and a further review of scientific information, revised import conditions for fish and fish products imported into Australia for use as pet food and stockfeed are as follows:· Fish product material of salmonid origin for use as pet food and stockfeed must have been treated to meet the following condition:o Moist heated to a core temperature of at least 85 °C for at least 25 minutes, or, to an equivalent core temperature and specified time agreed by the department.o The current restrictions on the percentage of salmonid material contained in the fish products (no more than 2%) will no longer apply.· Fish products containing only material of non-salmonid fish for use as pet food and stockfeed (excluding non-salmonid fish products sourced from New Zealand) must meet existing conditions:o Moist heated to a core temperature for at least 85 °C for at least 15 minutes, or, at least 80°C for a least 20 minutes, or to an equivalent core temperature and specified time agreed by the department.· All fish products must have been processed and packaged in premises approved by and under the control of the Competent Authority· All fish products must have been manufactured from ingredients which have not been derived from terrestrial or avian animals. This includes egg products, dairy products and feathers.An alert to the new conditions will be published in the Australian Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON) at https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/Home/Notice/
Ehrlichia canis has been detected across Australia and is now considered to be established. As a result, Australia is updating its import conditions for dogs from approved countries. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is removing the requirement for dogs to test negative for E. canis prior to importation into Australia consistent with Australia’s international trading obligations.Changes to the import conditions will take effect from 1 November 2022. Affected import permits will be varied, and all permit holders will be notified of the changes directly.
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has completed the risk analysis for the importation of fresh apples from the Pacific Northwest States of the United States of America (PNW-USA), i.e., Washington, Oregon and Idaho, into Australia. The final report recommends a combination of risk management measures and a system of operational procedures that will reduce the biosecurity risk associated with the importation of apples from the PNW-USA to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.The final report recommends that the importation of fresh apples from the PNW-USA into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of phytosanitary measures for 20 quarantine pests.These pests are:apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonellatwo species of mites (flat scarlet mite (Cenopalpus pulcher) and McDaniel spider miteTetranychus mcdanielitwo species of thrips (eastern flower thripsFrankliniella tritici) and western flower thripsFrankliniella occidentalistwo species of mealybugs (apple mealybugPhenacoccus aceris) and grape mealybugPseudococcus maritimusseven species of leaf roller or fruit moths (codling mothCydia pomonella), European leafroller (Archips rosana), fruit tree leafroller (Archips argyrospila), large fruit tree tortrixArchips podana), oblique-banded leafrollerChoristoneura rosaceana), orange tortrixArgyrotaenia franciscana) and Pandemis leafrollerPandemis pyrusana)), andsix species of fungal pathogens (apple blotchPhyllosticta arbutifolia), Gymnosporangiumrusts (Gymnosporangium clavipes, G. juniperi-virginianae and G.libocedri speck rotPhacidiopycnis washingtonensis) and Sphaeropsis rotSphaeropsis pyriputrescensSpecific commercial production practices, already in place in PNW-USA, are recommended as mandatory to manage the risk of a further three pests: apple leafcurling midge (Dasineura mali), fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and European canker (Neonectria ditissimaThe draft report for this risk analysis was published on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website on 23 October 2020 for a 90-day stakeholder consultation period and was notified to WTO members (G/SPS/N/AUS/507).The final report is available in English on the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/risk-analysis/plant/apples-usa-2018
Australia has released a draft review of the rabies virus risk in imported dogs and cats and canine semen from approved countries for public comment on 20 October 2022. There will be a 30-day consultation period prior to finalisation due to the serious nature of the biosecurity risk. Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the technical aspects of the proposed measures by 21 November 2022.
Following a review of the mushrooms and truffles for human consumption pathway, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has updated the text in the additional declaration required to reflect the biosecurity management of fresh truffles.Fresh truffles will now require one of the following additional declarations:“The product was harvested in the wild and are not cultivated”Or“The product was grown on a substrate totally free of animal products including animal by-products and faeces, and has not been subsequently contaminated with animal by-products or faeces”Or“The product was grown on a substrate which was autoclaved at a gauge pressure of 105 kPa (15 psi) to achieve a minimum substrate temperature of 121°C for 30 minutes and has not been subsequently contaminated with animal by-products or faeces.”