Changes

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has completed a review of the countries associated with Phytophthora ramorum on imports of fresh cut flowers and foliage for ornamental purposes. Following the department’s technical assessment, P. ramorum has been confirmed present in Argentina and Japan. The following genera are regulated hosts of P. ramorum on fresh cut flowers and foliage for ornamental purposes:

• Adiantum spp.
• Dryopteris spp.
• Rosa spp.
• Viburnum spp.

Imports of the above genera of fresh cut flowers and foliage for ornamental purposes are no longer be permitted entry into Australia from Argentina and Japan.

The import conditions for Adiantum spp., Dryopteris spp., Rosa spp. and Viburnum spp. from Argentina and Japan have been removed.

These changes are consistent with Australia’s import policy for fresh cut flower and foliage hosts of P. ramorum for all other countries where this pathogen is known to be present.

P. ramorum is a national priority plant pest for Australia and is a significant biosecurity threat to Australian industries and environment.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of fresh cut flowers and foliage, 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.