Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has reviewed the conditions for low-risk genetic material imported for in vitro and/or in vivo use in plants and/or laboratory organisms. Conditions have been updated to allow the import of a wider range of low-risk genetic material goods.

The conditions now allow the import of low-risk genetic material for in vitro and/or in vivo use in plants and/or laboratory organisms, provided the genetic material does not contain any of the following:

• Genetic material from infectious agents other than plant pathogens,
• A nucleic acid preparation from an infected plant or from a plant with symptoms of disease or that is suspected to be infected,
• Genetic material containing more than 50% of a viroid genome,
• Genetic material containing a complete unmodified naturally occurring plasmid,
• Genetic material containing more than 50% of a plant virus genome segment or component.
• A synthetic equivalent of any of the above listed material

The above change is also reflected in a change to the documentary requirements (supplier declaration) for Low-risk genetic material for in vitro and/or in vivo use in plants and/or laboratory organisms.

The department has also updated the approved vectors and microorganisms for in vivo use in plants list.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers and brokers of low-risk genetic material for in vitro and/or in vivo use in plants and/or laboratory organisms conditions, as well as department staff.

Import permits:
Permit holders may be contacted over the coming months as the department facilitates the variation of permits to reflect this change.

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