Overview
Imports are approved only for specific purposes that limit the likelihood of pest establishment.
- Examples include only approving import of wood chips for use as biofuel, plants for use under quarantine conditions for scientific purposes, and grains for processing.
- Evaluating the efficacy of this measure requires evidence that the risk is managed appropriately with the specified end-use. The potential for unapproved uses, and its’ effect on the likelihood of establishment of the pest, may also need to be assessed.
- The specified and unapproved end-uses for a commodity are typically determined prior to, and inform the scope of, a pest risk assessment. Procedures to verify that the commodity is only being used as approved in the importing jurisdiction can then be applied.
- Assurance can be achieved through audit of facilities to provide confidence that the commodity is only being used as approved in the importing jurisdiction.
Evidence to support efficacy
Evidence is required to show that the risks are managed if the commodity is used as intended in the importing country. This may be achieved by demonstrating that the risk of pest transfer to a suitable host or habitat would be acceptably low based on how the commodity will be used. The risk that the commodity may have its end-use diverted for unapproved uses, and the likely outcomes of that, should also be assessed to establish if the risk remains acceptably low.
Applying the measure
How it is used
All imported commodities have a specified end-use, which is considered in a PRA. During the scoping stage of the PRA, all potential risk pathways are identified, including the intended end-use, any possible unapproved uses and possible waste streams.
Where commodities can be imported for multiple purposes with different levels of risk for pest establishment, a restricted end-use measure can be applied to limit the approved end-uses. However, these restrictions can only be applied where it is possible to confidently monitor the restricted end-uses, which makes this approach less widely applicable. Examples may include the import of fruit, vegetables or grains for processing, the use of plants for scientific purposes, and the use of wood chips for paper or biofuel.
Use with other measures
Restricted end use may need to be combined with additional measures to manage risks where the specified end-use can not be applied with sufficient confidence. For instance, devitalisation of seeds for human consumption may be required to reduce establishment risks, should the seeds be planted or composted. The use of plants for scientific purposes may require plants to be held in quarantine conditions to prevent escape of pests.
Similar measures
In some cases, the restricted end-use involves post-border physical disturbance and processing. For example, wood chips for biofuel or making paper, processing of grains, and fruit for juicing. The restricted end-use measure ensures that the consignment is not misdirected to alternative uses, whereas the physical disturbance and processing measure reduces pest infestation in the consignment.
Assurance of correct implementation
The key consideration for this measure involves providing confidence that the commodity is only being used as approved in the importing jurisdiction. Requirements may be imposed on third parties within the importing jurisdiction (e.g. processing facilities, on-sellers and retailers) which can then be audited at an appropriate level. Surveys can also be conducted, with oversight by the NPPO or relevant authority, to estimate the level of non-compliance across the supply chain. Unacceptable levels of non-compliance may impact negotiated trade arrangements.