Changes

All imports of frozen chestnuts imported for use as human consumption from all countries will no longer require vacuum-packaging as a requirement.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers, approved arrangements, freight forwarders and brokers that deal with frozen chestnuts.

Background:
Following the completion of the departmental review of risks assessment for chestnuts for human consumption, it has been recommended that vacuum-packing the product is no longer required.

Vacuum-sealing is used as a method to create an oxygen-free environment which prevents the infestation of insects and other pests from the consignment.

However, as the goods are already required to be hard-frozen at -18°C for 7 consecutive days, this would already adequately mitigate the risk of insect infestation. It is therefore recommended that vacuum-sealing is no longer required for consignments of frozen chestnuts.

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