Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will no longer be regulating for High plains virus (HPV) and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), but will continue to regulate for Maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus (MDMV).

The ‘Zea mays seed for sowing’ case has been updated with changes to the ‘Certified seed from the state of Idaho, United States of America’ pathway. These changes include:

The additional declaration statements for phytosanitary certificates have been revised and are as follows:

1. The additional declaration, "The seed was produced in accordance with the conditions governing the entry of Zea mays seed from Idaho (United States of America) for the purpose of field sowing in Australia."
2. The additional declaration, "The seed originated from export seed crops that have been inspected and tested and found to be free from Maize dwarf mosaic potyvirus."
3. The additional declaration. "The seed in the consignment was inspected and found apparently free of the genus Trogoderma."

While the department no longer regulates for viruses HPV and WSMV, phytosanitary certificates that reference these viruses, in addition to MDMV, will still be accepted.

Background:

Following a review of the quarantine status of High plains virus, Wheat streak mosaic virus and Maize dwarf mosaic virus by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the following was identified:

1. HPV is present in Australia and no longer meets the definition of a quarantine pest,
2. WSMV is present in Australia and no longer meets the definition of a quarantine pest,
3. MDMV is absent from Australia and is still categorised as a quarantine pest.

Regulatory measures will no longer be required for HPV and WSMV but will continue to apply for MDMV.

Who does this notice affect:

Importers of Zea mays seed for sowing from Idaho USA, customs brokers and departmental staff.

Variation of import permits:

The department has contacted affected import permit holders and has varied valid Zea mays seed for sowing from Idaho USA import permits in line with the above changes. As these permit variations have been initiated by the department, the variation has been performed at no cost to import permit holders.

Further information:

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