Changes

The following plant genera imported as nursery stock are now subject to additional measures to manage the risk of the bacterial pathogen, Xylella:

These changes apply to all permitted species for the above genera, and consignments that are exported to Australia on or after 3 August 2020.

Who does this notice affect:

Importers of nursery stock, customs brokers and departmental staff.

Background:

These actions are being carried out under Australia’s emergency measures for Xylella.

Xylella is Australia’s top priority plant pathogen as it has the potential to severely impact our agricultural and horticultural industries and the environment. In addition to having a large host range, Xylella is easily spread by sap-feeding insects and the propagation of infected plants.

Due to new published literature showing that Xylella infects new hosts, the emergency measures have been extended to nine (9) new plant families. The department has also completed a review to ensure that emergency measures are appropriately targeted to all regulated plant families.

The department will continue to monitor and assess evidence of new risks posed by Xylella and may amend import conditions again in the future.

Further information:

Enquiries can be directed to 1800 900 090 or via email at imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant Tier 2 – Xylella emergency measures’).