Changes

The “Artificial plants on natural stems” BICON case has been updated to distinguish between these goods that have bark attached to the stem and these goods that do not have bark attached to the stem.

For these goods that do not have bark attached to the stem and that are imported for commercial use, a pathway has been added to recognise the similarity of these items to other manufactured wooden articles without bark. A supplier’s or manufacturer’s declaration with a statement that bark is not present will be required to confirm the absence of bark for these goods and import conditions in line with other manufactured wooden articles without bark have been added.

Import conditions for artificial plants on natural stems that contain bark that are imported for commercial use have not changed and will continue to require mandatory dry heat treatment, gamma irradiation or ethylene oxide fumigation.

All artificial plants on natural stems imported for personal use will continue to be subject to inspection upon arrival and directed for treatment should biosecurity risk material be found.

Who does this notice affect:

Assessment Services Group, Inspections Group, Importers and Brokers.

Background:
Feedback received by Plant Import Operations from internal and external stakeholders highlighted the need for clarification.

Furthermore information:

For additional information please email Plant Import Operations Branch at imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.