Emergency measures for tomato and capsicum seeds

As notified in G/SPS/N/AUS/469, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has implemented emergency measures for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and capsicum (Capsicum annuum species complex) seeds. These measures have been in place since 2019.  This addendum is to notify trading partners that we have reviewed Australia’s import conditions for tomato and capsicum seed disease testing. This review focused on evaluating seed testing protocols for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV), as well as the authorisation process for laboratories conducting these tests. As a result of this review, we are updating Australia’s emergency measures for tomato and capsicum seeds. We will be introducing two key changes, which include: Establishing a list of authorised laboratories registered to test tomato and capsicum seed;Updating the approved testing protocols and the interpretation of their results to improve consistency and assurance in detecting ToBRFV and ToMMV.  The new import conditions will commence on 12 November 2025. A list of authorised laboratories will be published on 1 October 2025 to enable importers to begin transitioning to the new arrangements.During the transition period (1 October 2025 – 11 November 2025), we will continue to accept seed lots that have already been tested for ToBRFV and ToMMV under Australia’s existing import conditions. Consignments that arrive on or after 12 November 2025 that do not meet the new requirements will be offered onshore testing at an approved laboratory in Australia (at the importer’s expense), exported or disposed.  For further detail on these changes, see:Pathogen testing requirements for tomato and capsicum seeds webpageEmergency measures for tomato and capsicum seedWhen  published,  the  revised  import  conditions  will  be  made  available  in  the  Biosecurity  Import Conditions system (BICON): https://bicon.agriculture.gov.au/BiconWeb4.0/Information sessionsWe are holding two online information sessions to provide further information on the upcoming changes. One session will be scheduled later in the day to accommodate international stakeholders.  When:Session 1: 10.30am Australian Eastern Standard Time, 16 September 2025Session 2: 4.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time, 16 September 2025Where:  Online via Microsoft Teams Live EventRegistration: This is a free event. Please register via our Humanitix webpage by selecting the 'Get Tickets' button