Changes

As notified on 4 February 2022, new import conditions have been applied to other-risk plant products to reduce the risk of khapra beetle and other Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern entering Australia.

The following changes have been made to the case:

• The addition of a hominy corn grits pathway with no requirement for a phytosanitary certificate (for all arrival modes).
• Removal of the requirement for a phytosanitary certificate for maize grits that are less than or equal to 3mm in size and packed in bags less than or equal to 25kg.

• The addition of a phytosanitary certificate for:

  - degermed corn kernels and maize grits greater than 3mm in size (for all arrival modes)

  - maize grits that are less than or equal to 3mm in size and packed in bags greater than 25kg (for high value freight only).

• These goods must now be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with the following additional declaration:

  "Representative samples were inspected and found free from evidence of any species of Trogoderma (whether live, dead or exuviae) in Australia’s list of Trogoderma species of biosecurity concern."

The new import conditions relating to Trogoderma only apply to goods exported from all countries on or after 28 April 2022. Guidance on determining the date of export is outlined in Section 9.1 of the department’s Minimum documentary and import declaration requirements policy.

Managing non-compliance with the new import conditions:
Other-risk plant products that have not been inspected prior to export are more likely to arrive infested with pest species of Trogoderma including khapra beetle.

If a biosecurity officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, that the level of biosecurity risk associated with incorrectly certified goods is unacceptable, they may direct the goods to be exported or destroyed.

Background:
The department is strengthening the import conditions for commodities that are hosts of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium). Khapra beetle is a national priority pest for Australia. It is a serious pest of a wide range of stored plant products including grains and has potential to cause significant economic consequences to Australia.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of other-risk plant products and other stakeholders in the import and shipping sectors.

Further information:

• urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium)
• Khapra beetle bulletin

For enquiries regarding these changes, please phone 1800 900 090 or email imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant Tier 2 – khapra urgent actions’).