Notifications for Australia (406 notifications)

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 2022. Stakeholders will be notified of any further extension to this arrangement closer to this date. Further information is available via the following Industry Advice Notifications: Temporary changes to import certificate requirements for fresh produce, cut flowers, plants and other imported plant-based commodities extended to 30 June 2022: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2021/134-2021 Temporary changes to import certificate requirements for imported animals, biological and animal-based goods extended to 30 June 2022: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/industry-advice/2021/133-2021.

In response to the rapid expansion of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) throughout Europe and North America, the Australian Government has added one more country to be targeted for seasonal measures for the 2021-22 season to manage the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. Target risk countries have increased from 37 in the 2020-21 season to 38 in the 2021-22 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 http://www.agriculture.gov.au/bmsb The new country to be affected is: - Poland. A 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 published Biosecurity Advice 2021 A02 (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/memos) outlining final updates to the non-salmonid marine finfish risk species lists for human consumption and baitfish (risk species lists). The publication follows a stakeholder consultation period for the draft updates to the risk species lists as outlined in G/SPS/N/AUS/509. On 28 July 2021 the risk species lists on Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions Database (BICON) will be updated, and the risk management approaches set out in the 1999 "Import Risk Analysis on Non-viable Salmonids and Non-salmonid Marine finfish" (1999 non-viable marine finfish IRA) will apply to the species added to each list. These risk species lists list species of finfish susceptible to pathogens of concern. The lists initially arose from the 1999 non-viable marine finfish IRA and can be found on the department's BICON database. The risk species lists are being updated to ensure they are up to date and are effective at managing biosecurity risk and promote safe trade. Specifically, the update is being done to ensure that the risk species lists account for new information about species susceptibility. The department carefully considered all stakeholder submissions received during the 90-day consultation period on the draft update to the risk species lists (released November 2020). The department has made changes to the update in response to stakeholder comments, which are listed in Biosecurity Advice 2021 A02.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has completed the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 2. 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 cut flowers and foliage to a level that achieves Australia's appropriate level of protection. The Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) completes the assessment of arthropod pests associated with imported cut flowers and foliage. Part 1 of the PRA, published on 21 June 2019 and notified in G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5, assessed the mites (Arachnida: Acari), aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) and thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera). Part 2 of the PRA 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). The final report recommends that the importation of cut flowers and foliage into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of phytosanitary measures. Phytosanitary measures are required for the management of 438 species of arthropod pests that are of biosecurity concern for Australia. This includes 74 species of beetles, 38 species of flies, 140 species of bugs (other than aphids), 13 species of wasps and 110 species of moths and butterflies identified as quarantine pests. Six species of beetles and 10 species of bugs (other than aphids) are of biosecurity concern for Australia because they have the potential to transmit pathogens that are quarantine pests and an additional 47 pests are identified contaminants. The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department's website on 22 May 2020 for 90 calendar day public consultation period, closing on 20 August 2020 (G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.6). The final Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) supports the changes to Australia's import conditions introduced in March 2018 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1). The revised conditions require that quarantine risks are appropriately reduced offshore before shipments are sent to Australia using an NPPO-approved systems approach, methyl bromide fumigation or an alternative NPPO-approved pre-shipment treatment. Under the changes, remedial fumigation, export or destruction can be applied onshore to address any live quarantine pests found. The final PRA also supports further steps being taken by the department to address situations of emerging risk. Where the department detects and identifies pests that indicate either a changing risk or ongoing consignment non-compliance the department reserves the right to remove access to pest risk management options that are not managing pest risks and/or employ additional regulatory measures.The final PRA report is available in English on the department's website at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/risk-analysis/plant/cut-flowers

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: Bromoxynil, Isopyrazam, Isoxaflutole, Mesotrione, Methomyl, Metribuzin, Pyriproxyfen and Saflufenacil in specified plant commodities.

As notified under G/SPS/N/AUS/455/Add.1, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has finalised the pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seeds. On 23 June 2021, the department will implement the recommendations of the pest risk analysis: 1.  Removal of testing requirement for Tomato planta macho viroid:Imported tomato seeds will no longer need to be tested for Tomato planta macho viroid as this pathogen is not considered to be associated with the seed pathway. 2.  Reduced regulation for wild tomato species:Seeds of the following wild tomato species will no longer need to be tested for Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV), Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), Columnea latent viroid (CLVd), Pepper chat fruit viroid (PCFVd), Tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) and Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd):Solanum chilenseSolanum chmielewskiiSolanum parviflorumSolanum peruvianumSolanum pimpinellifoliumThe above seed species are not known to be a pathway for the listed pathogens.3.  Increased sample size requirements for Pepino mosaic virus testing:Testing of Solanum lycopersicum seed lots for Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) will need to be performed using a sample of 20,000 seeds. This replaces the current 3,000 seed sample requirement for Pepino mosaic virus.Testing for Pepino mosaic virus must occur using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR), either prior to export or on-arrival at a department-approved laboratory in Australia. Transitional arrangement for revised PePMV testing requirement: >The increase in sample size for PepMV testing will apply to any seed lot tested on or after 23 June 2021. As a transitional arrangement, any seed lot tested and found negative for PepMV before 23 June 2021 can continue to be imported under previous conditions using a testing sample of 3,000 seeds, subject to complying with specified conditions.Further information on the upcoming changes in import conditions are outlined within Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system:https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ImportConditions/Questions/EvaluateCase?elementID=0000098371&elementVersionID=232. Once published, the revised import conditions will be made available within BICON.

EPPO Reporting Service No. 3 2021 (https://gd.eppo.int/reporting/article-6988) cited recent research indicating an expanded distribution of Phytophthora ramorum. In response, after subsequent investigation of the cited research, Japan is now recognised as a high-risk country where Phytophthora ramorum is present. The cited research is Jung, T., et al. (2021) The destructive tree pathogen Phytophthora ramorum originates from the laurosilva forests of East Asia. Journal of Fungi 7, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7030226 Australia now also recognises Argentina as a high-risk country where Phytophthora ramorum is present, as a result of research conducted by Vélez, M. V., et al. (2020) Phytophthora austrocedri in Argentina and co-inhabiting phytophthoras: roles of anthropogenic and abiotic factors in species distribution and diversity. Forests 11, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f11111223 Plants for planting (nursery stock) from Argentina and Japan must comply with specific conditions for import into Australia, which includes mandatory post-entry quarantine growth and testing for Phytophthora ramorum at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment post-entry quarantine facility. Import conditions are available on Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system: 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: Azoxystrobin, Carbendazim, Cyantraniliprole, Flonicamid, Fluxapyroxad, Imazapyr, Mefentrifluconazole, Mesotrione, Spiroxamine in specified plant commodities Mefentrifluconazole in specified animal commodities

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 safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granariumThe urgent actions are being implemented in 6 phases. Phases 1 to 5 address the risk of khapra beetle entering on imported plants and plant products. Phase 6 addresses the risk of khapra beetle entering as a hitchhiker pest in sea containers. Revised implementation schedule A revised implementation schedule is below. Phase 1: Ban on high-risk plant products within unaccompanied personal effects and low value freight  - Commenced 3 September 2020 (See G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.1)Phase 2: Ban on high-risk plant products within accompanied baggage or via international travellers or mail articles  -  Commenced 15 October 2020. (See G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.2)Phase 3: Revised phytosanitary certification and new offshore treatment requirements for high-risk plant products via all commercial pathways  -  Expected to commence in August 2021Phase 4: Revised phytosanitary certification and new offshore treatment requirements for other risk plant products  -  Progression of this work is on holdPhase 5: Phytosanitary certification requirements for all seeds for sowing  -  Progression of this work is on hold Phase 6A: New measures for target risk sea containers Measures for target risk containers packed with high-risk plant products  -  Commenced 12 April 2021 (See: G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.9)  Measures for target risk containers that are packed with other products and will be unpacked in a rural grain growing area of Australia  -   Will commence on 12 July 2021Phase 6B: New measures for high-risk sea containers  -  Expected to commence in late 2021Alternative treatment options for Phase 3 We recognise that heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation may not be feasible for some goods imported under Phase 3. As such, we are considering alternative treatment options for goods impacted by Phase 3. Additional information on any alternatives identified will be published on our website (awe.gov.au/khapra-urgent-actions) closer to implementation. Implementation of Phase 6AWe recognise that some of the treatment requirements implemented under Phase 6A may be new to industry. As such, where a treatment certificate is provided with the sea container but does not meet all our requirements as detailed on our website, we will work with treatment providers over the next 8 weeks to improve their understanding of these requirements and where appropriate, facilitate the import of goods within impacted containers.For more information on the urgent actions visit: gov.au/khapra-containers gov.au/khapra-urgent-actionsAddenda to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and exact implementation dates for other phases. Complete import conditions and details regarding the measures will be outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) prior to the implementation date.

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 and G/SPS/N/AUS/376/Add.2, 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 belonging to the following seven additional plant families, effective 1 June 2021: - Araucariaceae; - Argophyllaceae; - Athyriaceae; - Corynocarpaceae; - Dennstaedtiaceae; - Haloragaceae; - Violaceae. These additions and current measures are described in the following links: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylella/notification-amended-emergency-quarantine-measures#roles--and-responsibilities and https://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant-products/how-to-import-plants/xylella When published, the revised import conditions will be made available in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/ViewElement/Element/Alert?elementPk=1486964.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has updated the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT) declaration form. The new form has been approved under Section 177 of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act) and is required to be submitted with an import permit application for live cats and dogs exported from group 3 countries and non-approved via group 2 or 3 countries. The new form can be found on the department's website. This is a minor update to clarify some sections and instructions for Official Government Veterinarians completing the form. This minor update is expected to improve efficiencies and reduce incidences of follow-up, which may delay import permit application assessments.    From 1 June 2021, the department will only accept declarations made on the new version of the form for applications to import cats and dogs from group 3 countries or non-approved via group 2 or 3 countries. The department will accept declarations on both the new and previous version of the form for applications submitted before 1 June 2021. If you have any questions, please contact the Zoo, Aquatic, Laboratory and Companion Animal Team within the department via email at imports@awe.gov.au or via phone on 1800 900 090 (within Australia) or 61 3 8318 6700 (outside Australia).

Australia is replacing the current Export Documentation System (EXDOC) with a new 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. The new system will be first rolled out for dairy certificates. 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. Australia is adding a Quick Response Code (QR) as an added security feature enabling border officials an additional security check to confirm authenticity of the certificate in real-time. With this added security, certificates will no longer be issued on security paper. Any references to former department names (i.e. DAFF (Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries), Department of Agriculture, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services etc.) in mutually agreed endorsements/attestations will be replaced with 'Australian Government'. Where official seals have been previously agreed, any reference to 'DAFF' or 'Australia PI seals' within endorsements/attestations will be replaced with the word 'seal' or 'Australian Government seal'. Australia's updated dairy export certificates will be issued from 17 May 2021. There will be a four-week transition period where certificates from the department's current system (EXDOC) and NEXDOC may be issued. This means there will be a period where both types of certificates will be presented to border officials for clearance of goods.

Draft pest risk analysis and the proposed measures to achieve the appropriate level of protection for Australia for the import of fresh Capsicum spp. fruit (chillies and capsicums) from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The draft report includes: Summary; introduction, including Australia's biosecurity policy framework and this pest risk analysis; method for pest risk analysis; commercial production practices for chillies and capsicums; pest risk assessments for quarantine pests; pest risk management; conclusion; and pest categorisation.

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, Cypermethrin, Dimethoate, Fluopyram, Metalaxyl, Metrafenone, Omethoate, Propiconazole, Sulfoxaflor in specified plant commodities.

The Biosecurity Amendment (Clarifying Conditionally Non‑Prohibited Goods) Act 2021 (the Act) commenced on 1 April 2021. It amends the Biosecurity Act 2015 to confirm that determinations made under subsection 174(1) of the Biosecurity Act prior to the commencement of this Act should for all purposes be taken to be, and always to have been, valid. It does not create or change classes of goods listed in the determinations or the conditions that are imposed on such goods. Rather, it confirms that the goods specified in determinations made prior to the commencement of the amendment were, and continue to be, conditionally non-prohibited goods until such time as a new determination is made.These amendments only relate to ensuring compliance with Australian domestic law, and do not affect Australia's commitments under the WTO SPS 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:Ametoctradin, Afidopyropen, Chlorantraniliprole, Cyantraniliprole, Cyprodinil, Dimethomorph, Fipronil, Fludioxonil, Flumioxazin, Haloxyfop in specified plant commodities; Fluopyram in specified animal commodities.

The draft report proposes that the importation of commercially produced fresh Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) fruit to Australia from all commercial production areas of Mexico 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 fresh Persian lime fruit from Mexico, the risk assessments for the identified quarantine pests, and the proposed risk management measures to reduce biosecurity risks to an acceptable level.

Further to advice provided in notification G/SPS/N/AUS/436, Australia will suspend the mandatory fungicide treatment requirement for imported Daucus carota (carrot) and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seeds for sowing to allow stakeholders time to identify and provide a submission on proposed alternative risk mitigation measures equivalent to fungicidal treatment, for consideration by the department. Information on the recognition of alternative measures for seeds for sowing are provided in Section 4.5 of the department's Final review of import conditions for apiaceous vegetable seeds for sowing.Australia will review the implementation of the fungicide treatment requirement by October 2021.The import conditions will be available on the Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system: https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/As advised in G/SPS/N/AUS/512, an import permit is now required for seed of Anthriscus cerefoliumApium graveolensF. vulgarePastinaca sativa and Petroselinum crispum Australia published the Final review of import conditions for apiaceous vegetable seeds for sowing on 29 March 2021

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 safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium The next phase of Australia's emergency measures will commence on 12 April 2021. This phase will introduce mandatory offshore treatment for certain sea containers. More information on this phase can be found at: http://www.awe.gov.au/khapra-containers Commencing late April 2021, Australia will be undertaking a survey to identify the rate of sea containers contaminated with khapra beetle arriving in Australia. The results of this survey will inform Australia's assessment of the risk posed by sea containers and may result in changes to Australia's emergency measures. Sea containers will be tested for the potential presence of khapra beetle using Environmental DNA (eDNA) and Environmental RNA (eRNA). The survey will include sea containers that have held agricultural and non-agricultural goods from a range of countries. Sea containers may leave Australia prior to results being confirmed. If live populations of khapra beetle are indicated (through eRNA) for sea containers that have left Australia, the relevant National Plant Protection Organizations will be notified.Further informationInformation on the emergency measures for containers can be found on the department's website: http://www.awe.gov.au/khapra-containers Addenda to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and implementation dates for subsequent phases. Complete import conditions and details regarding the measures will be outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) prior to the implementation date. For enquiries, please email imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with 'Plant Tier 2 – khapra urgent actions').

The Australian Government is introducing a new legal framework for Australia's agricultural exports.The new export legislation commences on 28 March 2021 at 3am Australian Eastern Daylight Time and consists of the:Export Control Act 2020 (the Act) which sets out the overarching legal framework for the regulation of exported goods including food and agricultural products from Australia.·       Export Control Rules 2021 (the Rules) which are the legislative instruments that set out the operational requirements that must be met to export specific goods from Australia (eg meat). The Rules must be read in conjunction with the Act.The new legislation streamlines and consolidates the existing export-related requirements included in more than 20 Acts and 40 pieces of delegated legislation. The benefits of the new legislation include that it will:·       be more relevant, responsive and efficient for exporters, farmers and other primary producers·       provide strong regulation, while removing duplication and ensuring consistency across commodities where possible·       clarify and simplify regulatory requirements, such as those that relate to authorised officers.It will also continue to ensure:·       exported goods meet importing country requirements·       compliance with government and relevant industry standards·       traceability through the exports supply chain where required·       the integrity of goods and the accuracy of applied trade descriptions and official marks.The department has consulted at length with its stakeholders, including trading partners to ensure the improved legal framework 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.The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment's website is being updated for the commencement of the new legislation. From 28 March 2021, our Improved Agricultural Export Legislation web page will include the latest information on Australia's new agricultural export legislation, including links to the Export Control Act 2020, the Export Control Rules 2021 and supporting information sheets.Please review this information and refer any questions about the new legislation to the Australian Government via the Australian SPS Notification Authority.