Changes

The department has reviewed the existing list of plant name synonyms for the species Brassica rapa within the mustard family (common names: Turnip, field mustard, bok-choy).

Synonyms re-mapped:
The review has determined that the plant names listed below are not synonyms of Brassica rapa, but rather are synonyms of Brassica napus:

• Brassica campestris f. annua
• Brassica campestris f. biennis
• Brassica campestris subsp. napus 
• Brassica campestris subsp. Rapifera
• Brassica campestris var. pabularia
• Brassica campestris var. toria
• Sinapis glauca

Accordingly, these plant names can now be imported subject to the same import conditions that apply to Brassica napus. These species have been removed from and added to the BICON cases as indicated in the table below.

Synonyms removed:
In addition, the following species listings have been removed from BICON:

• Brassica campestris: This species name is ambiguous, noting it contains sub-ordinate taxa (forms, varieties) which are synonyms of two different accepted species that are subject to different import conditions: i.e. Brassica rapa and Brassica napus. For example, Brassica campestris subsp. Chinensis is a synonym of Brassica rapa.
• Brassica purpurea: This accepted plant name for Brassica purpurea is a synonym for the species Moricandia arvensis, which is not a listed permitted species.
• Brassica arvensis: This species name is ambiguous and is not permitted for import, noting it is synonymous with both a permitted species Sinapis arvensis, and a non-permitted species Moricandia arvensis.

Who does this notice affect:
This notice affects importers and customs brokers of brassica seed, and Pathway Operations Cargo – Assessments and Inspections

Further information:
For additional information email Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au (include ‘Plant T2’ in the subject line of the email) or phone 1800 900 090.