Changes

This notice is to advise stakeholders of a change to the department’s certification requirements for Cannabis seed for sowing that is undergoing sampling and purity testing offshore.

Currently, all cannabis seed for sowing being imported to Australia requires mandatory purity analysis, regardless of the size of the consignment.

The current import conditions for purity testing require seed to be both 'drawn' and 'analysed' in accordance with ISTA methodology. However, for small seed lots, where there is insufficient seed available to draw a sample in accordance with ISTA methodology, the seed is only required to be analysed in accordance with ISTA methodology.

The import conditions have updated to add the option to declare the following on the seed analysis certificate:

"Insufficient seed to draw sample in accordance with ISTA methodology. Sample tested was analysed in accordance ISTA rules from an identified seed lot."

For context, this option now forms Point 3.3 of the import condition below.

You must present the following on a Seed analysis certificate:

1. A "purity analysis" (i.e. the percentage of pure seed and percentage of other seeds and inert matter).
2. A "determination of number of other seeds", as described in the ISTA international rules for seed testing manual.

3. One of the following declarations:

   3.1. "Sample tested was officially drawn and analysed in accordance with ISTA rules from an identified seed lot.", or

   3.2. For seed species not listed in the international rules for seed testing: "Sample tested was officially drawn and analysed in accordance with ISTA methodology.", or

   3.3. When there is insufficient seed to draw sample in accordance with ISTA methodology:

"Insufficient seed to draw sample in accordance with ISTA methodology. Sample tested was analysed in accordance with ISTA rules from an identified seed lot."

Impacted permit holders:
All permit holders of cannabis seed that will undergo purity testing offshore are encouraged to contact the department to request a variation to their permit, to add the option of the above declaration.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers, brokers and permit holders of Cannabis seed for sowing.

Further information:
To discuss whether a variation to your permit is required, please contact Plant Import Operations at imports@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.