1 October 2025
Who does this notice affect?
This notification is to advise the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (department) has published the initial list of department authorised seed pathogen testing laboratories for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).
This notice is relevant to importers of tomato and capsicum seed for sowing from all countries, as well as their custom brokers.
What is changing?
As notified in IIAN 301-2025, we are introducing changes to strengthen testing requirements for imported tomato and capsicum seeds.
From 12 November 2025, only laboratory test reports issued by authorised seed pathogen testing laboratories will be accepted as valid evidence of testing for ToBRFV and ToMMV in tomato and capsicum seeds.
We have published the initial list of department authorised seed pathogen testing laboratories on our webpage.
We encourage importers to begin using these authorised laboratories for relevant seed testing as soon as possible.
Laboratories that have not already registered and intend to test tomato and capsicum seed for export to Australia must register to become an authorised testing laboratory by completing a registration form.
Commencement date and transition period
- A 6-week transition period will be in place before import conditions become mandatory on 12 November 2025.
- During the transition period, we will continue to accept seed lots that have already been tested for ToBRFV and ToMMV under existing import conditions.
- Any consignments certified after the transition period must comply with the new requirements.
- Consignments that arrive on or after 12 November 2025 that do not meet the new requirements will be offered onshore testing at an approved laboratory in Australia (at the importer’s expense), exported or disposed of.
Import permits
The department will contact affected import permit holders to vary existing permits in accordance with the above changes. The department will vary import permits at no cost to importers.
Further information
For further information please email Plant Import Operations at imports@aff.gov.au (please include ‘Plant T2 - Seed for sowing’ within the subject line of the email).
Please view the initial list of authorised seed testing laboratories on our webpage.
Background
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has completed the first phase of its review of Australia’s import conditions for tomato and capsicum seed pathogen testing as notified through an import industry advice notice and BICON alert published on 3 September.
This initial phase focused on seed testing protocols for Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV), as well as the authorisation process for laboratories conducting these tests.