4 August 2009
BIOSECURITY AUSTRALIA ADVICE 2009/17
This Biosecurity Australia Advice notifies stakeholders that Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has determined a policy for the importation of fresh unshu mandarin fruit from four designated export areas in the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. The importation of fresh unshu mandarins may be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final import risk analysis report for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. The policy will be taken into account by decision makers when considering import permit applications for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998 as amended.
In response to a proposal from Japan, Biosecurity Australia completed an import risk analysis (IRA) on fresh unshu mandarin fruit from four designated export areas in the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. The IRA was completed in accordance with the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2007 provisions for a standard regulated process (BAA 2008/08), consultation with stakeholders on a technical issues paper issued in 2002 (PBPM 2002/49), a draft report issued on 29 July 2008 (BAA 2008/23), and an appeals process (BAA 2009/07 and BAA 2009/13).
The Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel (IRAAP) advised that three submissions were received in response to the Provisional final import risk analysis report for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Japan. The Panel determined that only two submissions were valid and considered further. Of those the Panel did not allow any of the appeals. The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has made a policy determination to permit the entry of fresh unshu mandarin fruit from four designated export areas in the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan to Australia. Importation of fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Japan can now be permitted, subject to the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998, and the application of phytosanitary measures as specified in the Final import risk analysis report for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. These measures are designed to limit quarantine risk to a level that is acceptably low, in order to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection.
The quarantine measures are sourcing fruit from registered orchards within designated export areas, monitoring of export areas, post-harvest chemical treatment and visual inspections. This will be supported by an operational system to maintain and verify the quarantine status of consignments, and pre-clearance by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Australia and Japan will now develop a detailed work plan. This will need to be approved by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service before any import permits will be considered.
The final report is available at www.biosecurityaustralia.gov.au.
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive