Changes

The department has established new import conditions for permitted species of Cydonia spp., Malus spp. and Pyrus spp. imported as tissue cultures for the end use of nursery stock.

Tissue cultures of pome plants can be imported into Australian territory subject to a range of import conditions, including:

• a valid import permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) must be obtained prior to importation
• phytosanitary certification by the exporting National Plant Protection Organisation prior to export
• on-arrival document assessment and inspection by DAFF Biosecurity Officers
• 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 a range of plant pathogens of biosecurity concern, including viruses, Xylella species, aerially dispersed Phytophthora species, fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) and phytoplasmas.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers (and their customs brokers) of these species for an end use as nursery stock, and departmental staff.

Import permits:
Current import permits will not be updated to reflect this change, any permit holders wishing to import pome species in the form of tissue cultures will need to apply for a variation to an existing permit or apply for a new import permit.

Further information:
Contact Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090.