Import Conditions

Case: Solanum tuberosum seed for sowing Effective 28 Jul 2015 to 29 Jul 2015

1. Only Solanum tuberosum is a permitted species for this import pathway.

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 Import Services Team for an assessment.


2. Prior to the importation of goods into Australia, a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture is required.
   

   An import permit may be obtained by submitting an import permit application to the department (if viewed online, use the 'Apply Now' button at the bottom of this page).
   

3. All seed must be grown in a closed quarantine facility at either:

   1. an Australian Government (Department of Agriculture) post-entry quarantine (Class 20.0), or

   2. a quarantine-approved post-entry quarantine facility (Class 6.1) operating under a compliance agreement with the Department (the importer is responsible for confirming that the post-entry quarantine facility is approved for growing the species being imported).

Related Information:

• Post-entry quarantine for restricted seeds

4. The importer is responsible for contacting the post-entry quarantine facility to confirm all arrangements, including space availability and number of seed lines, prior to the goods arriving in Australia.

5. There are scheduled fees associated with the growth of seed lines in an Australian Government (Department of Agriculture) post-entry quarantine facility. These fees are to be met by the importer. Refer to the department website for further information on the Quarantine & export fees. State/territory government post-entry quarantine facilities may have different fee schedules and importers are advised to contact the relevant state/territory department for details.

6. Airfreight and mail shipments must be addressed in the following manner:

   Importer’s Name
   Importer’s Address
   C/- Nursery Stock/Seeds Unit
   Department of Agriculture regional offices

7. 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’.

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

9. Following inspection, all seed must be contained and securely packaged to the satisfaction of a biosecurity officer and forwarded directly to the quarantine approved premises (Class 6.1 or 20.0).

10. Prior to sowing all seeds require mandatory treatment in accordance with the following:

    Surface sterilised with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution for 10 minutes, rinsed and dried and then dusted with Ridomil® seed fungicide.

11. Seed must be grown for a minimum of 6 months for the following pathogen screening:

    
    
    

    ¹ Additional testing of symptomatic plants may include culturing, microscopy and molecular testing.
    ² Herbaceous indexing is performed using Chenopodium amaranticolor and C. quinoa.

12. All documentation must be presented to a biosecurity officer for examination upon arrival.

13. Under the Quarantine Service Fees Determination 2005, fees are payable to the Department of Agriculture for all services. A list of all quarantine & export fees is available on the Department of Agriculture's website.

14. Non-commodity information requirements for imported cargo also apply, please refer to the BICON case Non-Commodity Cargo Clearance.

Warnings and Information Notices


Containers, timber packing, pallets or dunnage associated with the consignment will be subject to inspection and treatment on arrival, unless certified as having been treated by a Department of Agriculture approved method.


All documentation presented to the Department to assist in determining the level of biosecurity risk posed by transportation pathways and packaging must also meet the requirements of the non-commodity case.