Alerts

The purpose of this notification is to provide an update on the implementation of the phytosanitary measures for Daucus carota (carrot) seed for sowing, as part of the department’s Final review of import conditions for apiaceous vegetable seeds for sowing.

Key points:

1. The department’s ‘Final review of import conditions for apiaceous vegetable seeds for sowing’ recommended that fungicide treatment or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is implemented to manage the risk of the fungal pathogen, Diaporthe angelicae, in imported carrot seed for sowing.
2. Revised import conditions for managing D. angelicae on carrot seed for sowing, including implementation of the fungicide requirement, will remain delayed until further notice. Advance notification of the specific implementation dates will be issued once available.
3. Importers are to continue referring to the current BICON import conditions when importing carrot seeds for sowing, which includes an import permit requirement for all consignments.

Background:

• On 30 March 2021, the department introduced but immediately suspended mandatory fungicide treatment conditions for carrot seed for sowing, to allow stakeholders to identify and submit proposals on alternative risk mitigation measures for managing the identified quarantine pests, for departmental consideration.
• Submissions on proposed alternative risk mitigation measures for Diaporthe angelicae will still be accepted. Information on the recognition of alternative measures for seeds for sowing are provided in Section 4.5 of the department’s Final review of import conditions for apiaceous vegetable seeds for sowing.

How can I stay informed:
The department will continue to keep stakeholders informed of further changes in import conditions, including their timeframes for implementation, via a separate BICON Alert and Industry Advice Notice.

Stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to the relevant seed for sowing BICON Cases, which allows you to receive email updates when there are changes to a BICON Case. Instructions on how to follow a BICON case are located here.

Who does this alert affect:
Importers (and their customs brokers) of carrot seed for sowing and department staff.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@awe.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email ‘Plant T2 - vegetable seeds import conditions’).