Implementation of Phase 3 emergency measures for imported tomato and capsicum seeds to mitigate the biosecurity risk posed by Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV)

As notified on 28 February 2019 (G/SPS/N/AUS/469), Phase 1 conditions of the emergency measures will expire at midnight 31 March 2019. Phase 3 of the emergency measures (PCR testing) will now be implemented effective 1 April 2019.To facilitate an orderly transition to Phase 3, Phase 2 (ELISA) and Phase 3 (PCR) conditions will be permitted to run concurrently from 1 April to midnight preceding 15 April 2019. The concurrent operation of Phase 2 (ELISA) and Phase 3 (PCR) conditions will cease at midnight preceding 15 April 2019, at which time ONLY seed lots that are tested under Phase 3 (PCR) conditions will be permitted entry into Australia.Phase 2 conditions (interim, effective from 1 April 2019 to midnight preceding 15 April 2019):
- Testing — mandatory off-shore or on-shore testing by ELISA on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent for small seed lots) using an existing commercially available kit (AGDIA-TMV OR Prime Diagnostics-ToMV) to verify freedom from ToBRFV; AND
- Certification — Seed lots tested off-shore must be accompanied by an official government Phytosanitary Certificate endorsed with the following additional declaration:
>'The consignment of [botanical name(s)Genus species)] comprises [insert number of tomato/capsicum seed lots] seed lot(s); for each seed lot, seeds were tested by ELISA [insert laboratory name(s) and report number(s)] on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free from Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).'
Phase 3 conditions (ongoing, effective 1 April 2019):
- Testing — Mandatory off-shore or on-shore testing by a PCR method approved by the department on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent for small seed lots) to verify freedom from ToBRFV; AND
- Certification — Seed lots tested off-shore must be accompanied by an official government Phytosanitary Certificate endorsed with the following additional declaration:
>'The consignment of [botanical name(s)Genus species)] comprises [insert number of tomato/capsicum seed lots] seed lot(s); for each seed lot, seeds were tested by PCR [insert laboratory name(s) and report number(s)] on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free from Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).'
Optional (for each phase): For consignments that do not have the specific additional phytosanitary declarations but have laboratory testing reports:The consignment must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate that links to, and is accompanied by, a laboratory report. The botanical name and lot number(s) must be presented on the Phytosanitary Certificate. The laboratory report must state:
a) The seed species tested;
b) That a 20,000 seed sample was tested and the test type used;
c) The test result confirming freedom from ToBRFV;
d) The lot number(s), which must match the phytosanitary certificate;
e) The date of testing;
f) The laboratory name and address.Details of the department-approved PCR test are available on the department's website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant-products/seeds-for-sowing/emergency-measures-tobrfv. Other PCR protocols will be considered where evidence of efficacy of the test is provided, on a case-by-case basis.