Alerts

Who does this notice affect:
This notice is relevant to stakeholders involved in the importation of seeds through international mail.

Reminder:
The purpose of this alert is to remind stakeholders that seeds being sent through international mail must be correctly identified in accordance with the import conditions published in BICON.

The department regularly intercepts seed consignments within the mail pathway that do not comply with import conditions, including proper identification.

Unidentified seeds arriving by the mail pathway will be directed for remedial action, including immediate destruction, by a biosecurity officer. This is consistent with the management of other high-risk goods imported in the mail pathway that pose an unacceptable biosecurity risk, such as high-risk khapra beetle seeds and fresh produce.

Tips for safely importing seeds in the mail:
Before sending or purchasing seeds from overseas:

• Check BICON to ensure the seeds are permitted for entry.
• Make sure you can meet all import conditions in BICON, including conditions for seeds to be labelled.
• Ensure that you use a reputable supplier.

If you’re interested in importing seeds for planting, please refer the additional information located on the department’s webpage.

Background:

• Seeds can introduce a range of pests and pathogens of biosecurity concern, including khapra beetle, Australia’s second national priority plant pest.
• Correct identification of seeds is required for biosecurity officers to determine the import conditions and risk management measures that apply to manage the associated biosecurity risks, to achieve the appropriate level of protection (ALOP) for Australia. Seeds that are unidentified present an unacceptable biosecurity risk, as the department cannot ascertain the measures required to achieve the ALOP for Australia.

Further Information:
For further information related to import conditions for seeds, please contact Plant Import Operations at imports@agriculture.gov.au with ‘Plant T2’ in the subject line.

For all other enquiries or questions, email imports@agriculture.gov.au.