Changes

The purpose of this notification is to advise stakeholders that the revised import conditions for tomato seeds for sowing has commenced.

For further information on the revised measures and transitional arrangements, please refer to the BICON alert, Notification of revised import conditions for tomato seed for sowing commencing 23 June 2021 published 20 May 2021.

The three key changes that have been implemented for tomato seed for sowing are summarised below, effective 23 June 2021:

1. Tomato seeds no longer need to be tested for Tomato planta macho viroid.
2. Wild tomato species no longer need to be tested for Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) and pospiviroids associated with tomato seeds. Wild tomato species will still need to be tested for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).
3. The sample size for PepMV testing (ELISA and PCR) has increased from 3,000 to 20,000 seeds per seed lot (or 20% of small seed lots). A transitional arrangement is in place, whereby the department will accept test results for seed lots tested for PepMV prior to 23 June 2021 (using a 3,000 seed sample size), subject to transitional conditions being met.

Background
The revised measures have been implemented in accordance with the final report on the pest risk analysis for Pepino mosaic virus and pospiviroids associated with tomato seed .

Variation of import permits
The department has contacted all affected import permit holders to provide notice of intention to vary existing import permits on 23 June 2021, in accordance with the revised import conditions.

As these permit variations will be initiated by the department, the variation will be performed at no cost to permit holders.

Further information
Enquiries can be directed to 1800 900 090 or via email at 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 (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant T2 – Tomato seeds’).