Changes

Following a disease risk assessment, the BICON case ‘Paulownia spp. for use as nursery stock’ has been updated to include conditions for the Paulownia species listed below, imported as tissue culture.

Paulownia spp. tissue culture can be imported into Australian territory, subject to all conditions within the BICON case, which include:

• a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry prior to importation
• a minimum of 12 months of growth and disease screening in post-entry quarantine (PEQ) at the Commonwealth post-entry quarantine facility in Mickleham (Victoria)
• active testing for Xylella species and phytoplasma of biosecurity concern.

No other forms of Paulownia are currently permitted for import.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of nursery stock, customs brokers and departmental staff.

Background:
Prior to this change, the BICON case ‘Paulownia spp. for use as nursery stock’ was suspended due to lack of trade.

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