Melon fruit from Japan: biosecurity import requirements draft report

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has finalised a risk analysis in response to the market access request for fresh melon (Cucumis melo) fruit, except oriental melon (C. melo var. makuwa) and oriental pickling melon (C. melo var. utilissimus) from Japan 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 melon fruit, except oriental melon and oriental pickling melon, from Japan to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.The final report recommends that the importation of fresh melon fruit, except oriental melon and oriental pickling melon, from Japan into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of the phytosanitary measures, as outlined in the final report, for a fruit fly and thrips species of biosecurity concern to Australia.The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department’s website on 17 October 2024 for a 60 day stakeholder consultation period (G/SPS/N/AUS/607).