2010-02 Update to Australian Exports of Canola Seed to China

​​22 January 2010

Purpose

To advise industry of the current import conditions as provided in China’s announcement on emergency measures for imported canola seed and further to Industry Advice Notice no. G2009/06.

Issue

China has imposed emergency quarantine measures for imported canola seeds to mitigate the risk of introduction and establishment of Leptosphaeria maculans.

China has announced transitional quarantine measures that apply to all canola seeds. This applies to canola seeds that are harvested in the current producing season i.e. crop that was planted in 2009 and harvested in 2009/2010, and exported to China. The following measures apply:

1. The canola seed must be tested in an approved laboratory for Leptosphaeria maculans and the results must be declared on the phytosanitary certificate under the additional declaration section. Exporters are advised that testing for Leptosphaeria maculans can take up to 10 days and testing results are to be available to AQIS prior to the export permit being issued.
2. If there is no detection of Leptosphaeria maculans, the consignment can be exported to China. If there is a detection of Leptosphaeria maculans the consignment can be exported to ports of non primary canola producing areas of China for processing under supervision in establishments qualified to meet relevant Chinese requirements. These ports include Hainan, Guangdong, Gangxi, Fujian, Hebei, Liaoning and Tianjin.
3. When a consignment of canola seeds arrives at any port of China, phytosanitary certificates and other documents will be checked along with examinations for Leptosphaeria maculans and other quarantine pests. China has announced that if non conformities are found relevant measures will be taken, including return of consignment, re-export, destruction or transfer to other ports as specified above.

Testing must meet the requirements imposed by China. Laboratories providing testing for Leptosphaeria maculans must meet specific testing methodology to become an approved laboratory. The testing methodology can be provided by the AQIS contact officer.

The Phyto database has been updated to include these changes in import conditions:

Phyto - China canola for sowing and Phyto - China canola for consumption

Further Enquiries

If you require any further information please contact Ms Jenny Dunn on telephone (02) 6272 5102 or by email.

Jenny Dunn
A/g Program Manager
Grain & Seed Exports Program
Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service