Alerts

Commencement of new import conditions for fresh cut Chrysanthemum spp. from Viet Nam

Effective from 16 February 2022

The import conditions for fresh cut Chrysanthemum spp. from Viet Nam will change on 1 March 2022.

Metsulfuron-methyl will be included in import conditions as an alternative to glyphosate to devitalise propagatable fresh cut Chrysanthemum spp. from Vietnam. Chrysanthemums from Viet Nam must be treated as per the treatment guide which includes the following schedule:

Flower species	Department approved treatment rate using metsulfuron-methyl 200g/kg	Final concentration of active ingredient, metsulfuron-methyl g/L in treatment solution	Dipping method
Chrysanthemum spp. from Viet Nam only	0.67g/L	0.1333g/L	20-minute immersion of stems to at least 35cm from the cut end

All consignments of Viet Nam chrysanthemums certified on or after 1 March 2022, will require evidence on accompanying phytosanitary certificates that they have been treated with metsulfuron-methyl as per the schedule above.

Failure to provide this evidence will result in the direction for export or disposal of the goods.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of fresh cut flowers and foliage, Client Contact Group and Pathway Operations Cargo – Inspections.

Background:
The chemical glyphosate was banned by Viet Nam in July 2021.

The department has approved the use of metsulfuron-methyl for devitalisation of fresh chrysanthemum cut flowers from Viet Nam.

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 'T2-Chrysanthemum spp. Vietnam').

This Alert applies to the following Cases:

Fresh cut flowers and foliage