Alerts

From 1 July 2025, the department will introduce an import permit requirement for Brassicaceous seed requiring treatment and Cucurbitaceous seed requiring testing and/or treatment, that are imported for an end use of sowing.

The current measures to manage the risk of seed borne pathogens of biosecurity concern will not change.

To reduce the number of permits required and the associated costs to importers, import permits for these specified vegetable seeds will be:

• Issued for all countries of export and
• Valid for 2 years.

Who does this alert affect?
This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of the following Brassicaceous seed for sowing requiring treatment and Cucurbitaceous seed for sowing requiring testing and/or treatment (including synonyms and subordinate taxa) imported from all countries.

• Brassicaceous seed

  • Brassica rapa (turnip, bok choy)
  • Eruca vesicaria (rocket)
  • Raphanus sativus (radish)

• Cucurbitaceae seed

  • Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)
  • Cucumis melo (cantaloupe)
  • Cucumis sativus (cucumber)
  • Cucurbita maxima (winter squash, pumpkin)
  • Cucurbita moschata (butternut squash, pumpkin)
  • Cucurbita pepo (zucchini)
  • Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd)
  • Trichosanthes cucumerina (snake gourd)

Will the validity period of my existing vegetable seed permit be extended?

• No - Existing permits will remain valid for a one-year period.
• The validity period of 2 years applies only to newly issued permits that take effect on or after 1 July 2025.

When will the change come into effect?
While an import permit will not be required until 1 July 2025, importers will be able to apply for import permits through BICON from 1 April 2025 and are encouraged to apply early. Please note:

• Consignments that arrive in Australian territory up until 30 June 2025 will be permitted entry without an import permit.
• Consignments that arrive on or after 1 July 2025 will not be permitted entry without a valid import permit, and may be directed for export or disposal.

How do I apply for a permit?
Importers will be able to apply for an import permit using the vegetable seed for sowing application form via the BICON import cases for the vegetable seeds listed above from 1 April 2025. Please note that you can apply for multiple species of vegetable seed using this form, subject to fees and charges.

Please view the Fact sheet 'New import permit requirements: Brassicaceous and Cucurbitaceous seed for sowing (PDF version)' for more information on these changes and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a permit.

Further information:
For further information please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email ‘Plant T2 - Seed for sowing’).

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