26 May 2020
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of the following cucurbitaceous seed for sowing (including synonyms) from all countries:
- Citrullus lanatus (watermelon)
- Cucumis melo (cantaloupe)
- Cucumis sativus (cucumber)
- Cucurbita maxima (winter squash, pumpkin)
- Cucurbita moschata (butternut squash, pumpkin)
- Cucurbita pepo (zucchini)
- Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd)
- Trichosanthes cucumerina (snake gourd)
What are the changes?
Stakeholders are reminded that Phase 1 of revised import conditions for cucurbitaceous seed for sowing will commence on 12 June 2020.
Information on the introduction of revised import conditions under the first phase (Phase 1) was published in Industry Advice Notice 66-2020. In brief, Phase 1 of revised conditions will include:
- Mandatory fungicide treatment for Cucumis sativus (cucumber) seed for sowing
- Additional measures to manage the risk of Trogoderma granarium (khapra beetle) in cucurbitaceous seed for sowing imported as full container load consignments.
It is important that you view the information in this Alert, including the transition arrangements in place to support the commencement of revised import conditions.
Existing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing requirements for Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus, Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus, Melon necrotic spot virus and Zucchini green mottle mosaic virus for all host seed species, and mandatory fungicide treatment for Cucumis melo will remain in place.
Note: For offshore tested seed lots, phytosanitary certification and laboratory reports will be required to confirm that the seed was found free of target pathogens.
Until the revised conditions are published, seed can continue to be imported under existing import conditions in BICON.
Further information
Enquiries regarding the upcoming changes to import conditions should be directed via:
- email to imports@agriculture.gov.au (please include ‘Plant Tier 2 – Vegetable seeds’ in the subject heading), or
- phone on 1800 900 090.