Alerts

On 30 March 2021, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) will introduce an import permit requirement for the following apiaceous seed species imported for human consumption and sowing purposes:

• Anthriscus cerefolium (chervil)
• Apium graveolens (celery)
• Foeniculum vulgare (fennel)
• Pastinaca sativa (parsnip)
• Petroselinum crispum (parsley).

The permit requirement will apply to all synonyms and sub-ordinate taxa of the above species.

A timeline for implementation is outlined in Figure 1. Importers will be able to apply for import permits through BICON from 13 January 2021.

To ensure that your application is considered in a timely manner, all applications should be lodged by 2 March 2021. Submitting an application early will allow time for the department to consider and make a decision on the application prior to 30 March 2021.



Please note:

• Consignments that arrive in Australian territory prior to 30 March 2021 will be permitted entry without an import permit.
• The department will not facilitate the clearance of goods that require an import permit but arrive without one. Consignments that arrive on or after 30 March 2021 without an import permit, including scenarios where an application is currently under consideration, will be directed for export or destruction in an approved manner.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers (and their customs brokers) of apiaceous vegetable seed and department staff.

Further information:
Information on import permits is located on the department’s webpage, including:

• guidance on how to apply for an import permit
• fees and charges for import permits.

Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email ‘Plant Tier 2 - vegetable seeds import conditions’).