Changes

The department has reviewed the import conditions for parboiled rice from all countries and made the following changes:

• Created a new set of import conditions for all types of parboiled rice
• Removed the requirement for an import permit for husked or coloured rice that has been parboiled
• Clarified the documentary evidence requirements for imports of parboiled rice. Note: Specific details of the processing will not be required
• Removed the requirement for random onshore germination testing for parboiled coloured rice

Who does this notice affect:
Biosecurity officers, importers of parboiled rice and other stakeholders.

Import permits:
Permit holders for parboiled husked/coloured rice have been notified that an import permit is no longer required and that their permits will be revoked or varied after 30 September 2021.

Background:
Parboiled rice is husked or milled rice that has been soaked in water and subjected to a heat treatment so that the starch is fully gelatinized, followed by a drying process.

The department has determined that this process is sufficient to mitigate the seedborne disease risks associated with viable forms of rice imported for human consumption.

ISPM No. 32 Categorization of commodities according to their pest risk recognises parboiled rice as a commodity that should not require phytosanitary measures with respect to pests that may have been present in the commodity prior to processing.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email  imports@agriculture.gov.au .