Alerts

From 5 December 2019, revised import conditions apply to Brassica rapa (e.g. buk choy, turnip), Eruca vesicaria (e.g. rocket) and Raphanus sativus (e.g. radish) seed imported for human consumption.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has determined that these seed species pose an unacceptable biosecurity risk due to the possible introduction of the seed borne fungal pathogens, including Colletotrichum higginsianum and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. raphani.

What are the revised conditions?

Under the revised conditions, seed of Brassica rapa, Eruca vesicaria and Raphanus sativus imported for human consumption must undergo one of the following measures, prior to release from biosecurity control:

• moist heat treatment at 85°C for 48 hours at 50% humidity, or 95°C for 24 hours at 50% humidity,
  

• processing at an approved arrangement site,
  

• germination testing to confirm that the seed is not viable.
  

Consignments of Brassica rapa, Raphanus sativus and Eruca vesicaria seed for human consumption that are shipped to Australia prior to 5 December 2019 will be permitted entry into Australian territory under existing conditions (i.e. mandatory treatment is not required).

• Commercial documentation must be provided to the department to verify that the date of export was prior to 5 December 2019.
  

• Consignments not meeting this requirement will be subject to the revised conditions.
  

Where can I access the revised conditions?

The revised import conditions for Brassica rapa, Eruca vesicaria and Raphanus sativus seed for human consumption are available within a BICON case called ‘Regulated vegetable crop seeds for human consumption’. This case also includes regulated seeds belonging to the Apiaceous family imported for human consumption, which are hosts of other seed borne pathogens of biosecurity concern.

Further information:

Please contact Plant Import Operations by email imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.