27 September 2024
Who does this notice affect?
This notice affects importers of seed for sowing, all permit holders of seed for sowing, custom brokers and departmental staff.
What has changed?
Effective immediately, the department has suspended the acceptance of seed testing results issued by any laboratory in the Republic of Türkiye for any seed for sowing imports into Australia.
Following a review, there have been concerns raised regarding the accuracy of testing performed, and compliance with import requirements, and so these changes are taking effect immediately.
The department is currently seeking appropriate assurances that the identified concerns are being managed before re-considering the resumption of acceptance of seed testing certificates. Further alerts will be issued as that review process comes to completion.
When does the suspension take effect?
The suspension comes into immediate effect on 27 September 2024. The suspension will remain in effect pending an investigation by the department.
Consignments in transit or which have arrived at the Australian border
Seeds can continue to be certified and exported from Türkiye; however, where seed testing is required as part of import conditions, the test report must not be from a Turkish laboratory.
Any seed lot that is presented with a Turkish laboratory report will not be released by the department. Consignments may be directed for onshore testing at an approved laboratory in Australia (at the importer’s expense), export or disposal. Subject to obtaining an acceptable test result from an approved Australian laboratory, the relevant seed lot can be released.
Further information
For additional information email Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au or phone 1800 900 090. Please title your email with “Plant T2 – Seed for sowing testing”.