Changes

Following a review of importing conditions by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the ‘Nuts and woody tree seed for sowing’ case has been updated to include the following changes:

Anacardium occidentale
Anacardium occidentale is now subject to the same import conditions as ‘Other nuts and woody species’ within the ‘Nuts and woody tree seed for sowing’ case. Additional phosphine fumigation and cold treatment options will now be available to manage the risk of internal feeders.

Juglans spp.
The additional declaration statement that must be endorsed in phytosanitary certificate has been updated to ensure that the declaration confirms that seeds have been harvested from trees grown in areas free from butternut canker (Ophiognomonia clavigignenti-juglandacearum).

Methyl bromide treatment options
Methyl bromide fumigation is not considered to be a suitable treatment to manage the risk of internal feeders. As such, methyl bromide treatment will no longer be an option. Seeds must be subject to treatment by phosphine fumigation or cold treatment at specified rates in BICON.

Additional species requiring regulation
The following scientific names have been added to the ‘Nuts and woody tree seed for sowing’ case as they pose a potential risk of internal feeders or are synonyms of restricted species. They are now subject to the same import conditions as ‘Other nuts and woody species’.

Background:
These changes are being implemented as an outcome of the review of import conditions under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. This project aimed to strengthen biosecurity surveillance and analysis, by ensuring that import conditions are fit-for-purpose and consistent.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Nuts and Woody Tree Seed for sowing, customs brokers and departmental staff.

Further information:
Contact Plant Import Operations at imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.