Changes

The import conditions for Cannabis spp. nursery stock have been revised.

Effective immediately, imported Cannabis spp. plants must undergo post-entry quarantine (PEQ) testing in Australia to confirm that plants are free from Australia’s top priority plant pest, Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella).

This change is being implemented in response to a new scientific report by Ahmad et al. (2024) that demonstrates Xylella was detected overseas in commercial, field grown Cannabis crops.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has evaluated the experimental design and sampling methods used in the above report. We consider that the testing methodology and analysis follow well-established protocols to demonstrate that Cannabis is a host of Xylella, and regulatory measures are warranted to manage this risk to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.

Reference:

Ahmad, W, Coffman, L, Ray, RL, Balan, Weerasooriya, A 2024, ‘Microbiome diversity and variations in industrial hemp genotypes’, Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 29560, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79192-7.

Import permits:
The department will contact affected import permit holders to vary existing permits in line with the above changes, at no cost to permit holders.

Background:

• Xylella is Australia’s number one priority plant pest. It is an invasive bacterial pathogen that causes a devastating disease in over 700 species of plants. If it were to enter Australia, it would be practically impossible to eradicate as there is no treatment or cure.
• Prior to February 2025, the import conditions for Cannabis spp. nursery stock included mandatory testing for Xylella during the post-entry quarantine period in Australia. This requirement was enacted under the department’s original emergency measures for Xylella, which imposed regulations for Xylella on plant hosts at the family level.
• On 28 February 2025, Cannabis spp. nursery stock conditions and import permits were varied to remove Xylella testing as the department transitioned Xylella emergency measures to regulating plant hosts at the genus level. At the time, no evidence was found to support that Cannabis is a natural host genus of Xylella.
• The current changes are being implemented based on available scientific evidence demonstrating host association. The department remains committed to staying vigilant to monitor for new scientific evidence to inform the need to broaden Xylella risk management measures to additional host genera.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Cannabis spp. nursery stock, customs brokers and departmental staff.

Further information:
Please contact Plant Import Operations on 1800 900 090 or email imports@aff.gov.au (please include ‘Plant T2 – Cannabis nursery stock’ in the subject line).