Changes

Willow foliage (Salix spp.)
The import conditions for willow foliage (Salix spp.) for the USA have been removed due the risk associated with Phytophthora ramorum - Sudden Oak Death (SOD).

Fresh willow foliage for ceremonial purposes is only permitted to be imported from Israel or Morocco, and only immediately prior to and during the Sukkot festival period.

Phytosanitary certification is now required for imports of less than or equal to 6 small boxes, bouquets or equivalent.

Maile foliage (Alyxia stellata) and Pandanus spp.
Import conditions for maile foliage (Alyxia stellata) and Pandanus spp. from Pacific Community (SPC) countries and Hawaiian Islands of the United States of America have been added to the BICON Case ‘Fresh fruit and foliage for ceremonial purposes’.

The goods must be:

• Inspected by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) prior to export and be accompanied by an original phytosanitary certificate.
• For imports of more than 6 small boxes, bouquets or equivalent, treated pre-shipment or on-arrival with methyl bromide fumigation at the rate of 32g/m³ for 2 hours at 21°C.
• Subject to an on-arrival verification inspection.

Note: Pacific community (SPC) countries include, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kingdom of Tonga, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Island, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Nauru, Samoa (Western), Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna Islands.

Myrtle foliage (Myrtus spp.)
Fresh myrtle foliage for ceremonial purposes are now permitted to be imported from Morocco immediately prior to and during the Sukkot festival period.

Phytosanitary certification is now required for imports of less than or equal to 6 small boxes, bouquets or equivalent.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of fresh fruit and foliage for ceremonial purposes, freight forwarders, brokers, Pathway Operations - Air & Sea Travellers and Detector Dog handlers, Pathway Operations - Mail, Gateway Facilities, Pathway Operations - Cargo Operations (Inspection, Assessment and Client Contact Group).

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