Import Conditions

Case: Permitted seed for sowing Effective 13 May 2022 to 18 May 2022

Permitted species — Not genetically modified — Other than research end use — Non-pelleted seed — Not purity tested offshore

1. The following requirements apply to the specified scientific names which have been assessed as permitted entry into Australian territory without the need for an import permit, treatment, testing or growth and screening in a post-entry quarantine facility.

Warnings and Information Notices


If a plant is permitted at the species level then all subordinate taxa (e.g. varieties, subspecies, forms and subforms.) of that species are also permitted. Similarly, if a plant is permitted at a genus level, then all species are permitted etc.


Where the parents of a hybrid are permitted the hybrid plant may be imported without a separate BICON case. Imported hybrids must be clearly labelled with their full parentage for identification by the department.


If the species you wish to import is not listed but you believe it is a synonym of a permitted species please contact the Client Contact Group Canberra for an assessment.




It is the importer's responsibility to check state and local government requirements to ensure that the seed is permitted entry into that state/territory.

Import conditions prior to arrival in Australian territory

2. A Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment import permit is not required.

3. Prior to export the goods must be inspected and found free from evidence of any Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern including khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium).

   To demonstrate compliance with this requirement you must present the following on a Phytosanitary certificate:

   The additional declaration “Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern."

Warnings and Information Notices


Attention brokers and importers: Goods exported on or after 28 April 2022 that do not comply with import conditions may be exported or destroyed on arrival in Australia.

For goods exported prior to 28 April 2022, please refer to the import conditions that were effective on the date of export. These conditions can be accessed via the “History tab” of the Case Details column on the right of the screen.

4. Each shipment must be packed in clean, new packaging, clearly labelled with the full botanical name (i.e. genus and species).
   Note: seed (of a single species) are permitted where they are packaged between strips of clear plastic or transparent paper and where the seed can be readily examined by the biosecurity officer.

Warnings and Information Notices


Consignments arriving via international mail that are not correctly labelled with the full botanical name (genus and species) will be directed for immediate destruction (including consignments posted using an international postal Express Mail Service).

5. In order to facilitate clearance, airfreight or mail shipments should have all documentation securely attached to the outside of the package, and clearly marked ‘Attention Quarantine’.

6. All consignments imported into Australian territory for all end uses must meet Department standards for seed contaminants and tolerances.

7. These import conditions are applicable to a single species of seed, and seed blends that contain varieties of the same species only.

   For packets of seed containing mixed genera or species, please refer to the Mixed seed for sowing (permitted species) case.

Import conditions on arrival in Australian territory

8. All consignments must be inspected on arrival by a biosecurity officer for freedom from live insects, soil, disease symptoms, contaminant seed, other plant material (leaf, stem material, fruit pulp, pod material, etc.), animal material (animal faeces, feathers, etc.) and any other extraneous contamination of biosecurity concern.

9. Consignments may require ISTA testing.

   Seed lots less than or equal to 10 kg in weight OR seed lots containing seed greater than 8 mm in diameter:

   The seed lot must be thoroughly inspected by a biosecurity officer for the presence of live insects/snails, disease symptoms and contamination (contaminant seed, soil particles, animal and plant material). Seeds should be inspected both visually with a hand lens and sieved to assess contamination. 

   If contamination is found, a sample must be drawn in accordance with ISTA procedures and submitted to a department approved seed testing laboratory for analysis. Consignment must remain under biosecurity control pending results of the analysis. Alternatively, the importer may choose to export or dispose of the consignment at their expense.

   Seed lots greater than 10 kg in weight AND containing seed less than 8 mm in diameter:

   The seed lot must be sampled by a biosecurity officer in accordance with ISTA procedures and the sample(s) forwarded to a department approved seed testing laboratory for analysis. The consignment and sample should be inspected for disease symptoms and the presence of live insects/snails. Consignment must remain under biosecurity control pending results of the analysis. Alternatively, the importer may choose to export or dispose of the consignment at their expense.

Warnings and Information Notices


If the ISTA testing results confirm that the contamination exceeds Department standards for seed contaminants and tolerances, the importer will be given the option to have the seed cleaned at an approved arrangement site (AA site), exported or disposed of.


Any seed that requires cleaning must be re-sampled by a biosecurity officer (and tested if appropriate) to ensure that the contamination has been removed or reduced to an acceptable level.


10. If live insects or other pests are found they will be referred to a Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment entomologist for advice on an appropriate remedial action, which may include treatment (if an appropriate treatment is available), export or disposal.

Warnings and Information Notices


Fumigation can reduce the germination rate of sowing seed. Fumigation should only be undertaken following consultation with a Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment entomologist and with the consent of the importer.


11. If disease symptoms are detected an assessment of the biosecurity risk will be made by a biosecurity plant pathologist to determine the options that may be available to the importer. Options may include further identification, treatment, export or disposal.
    
    Further identification may not result in the release of the goods and may incur substantial additional costs and time delays for the importer. Further identification will only be offered if it is deemed feasible and the importer agrees in writing to accept all costs and risks involved.

12. Following inspection and provided all of the above conditions have been met the consignment may be released from biosecurity control by a biosecurity officer.

Additional information

13. Under the Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016 and Chapter 9, Part 2 of the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, fees are payable to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for all services. Detail on how the department applies fees and levies may be found in the Charging guidelines.

14. In addition to the conditions for the goods being imported, non-commodity concerns must be assessed including container cleanliness, packaging and destination concerns, and may be subject to inspection and treatment on arrival. Please refer to the Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance BICON case for further information.