Changes

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

Seeds for sowing 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 apply to seeds for sowing 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:
Seeds for sowing 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.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of seeds for sowing and other stakeholders in the import and shipping sectors.

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.

Further information:
For further information, see:

• 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’).