We are conducting an assessment of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.
The assessment includes a review of the 2008 import risk analysis policy and the Philippines’ request for access for an additional Cavendish cultivar and export province.
From 17 September, we are holding virtual and in-person information sessions to explain the assessment process, how stakeholders will be engaged and answer your questions. For more information and to register, visit our Humanitix event page.
We are conducting an assessment of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines. This is in response to the Philippines’ formal request for Australia to consider alternative measures to manage the main pathogens of concern identified in the 2008 Philippine bananas import risk analysis.
Our assessment will involve:
- a comprehensive scientific assessment for the 3 main pathogens of concern (Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle) and consideration of risk management measures alternative to those proposed in the 2008 import risk analysis
- a review of the 2008 import risk analysis to ensure the assessments of other pests are still appropriate and determine whether any new biosecurity risks have emerged since 2008
- consideration of the Philippines’ request for access for an additional cultivar ‘GCTCV-218’ (also known as ‘Formosana’), and an additional export province Davao de Oro in the Davao Region or Region 11, that were not assessed in the 2008 import risk analysis.
This is a rigorous, technical, science-based process conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and international standards.
We remain committed to upholding Australia’s biosecurity status and protecting domestic industries from pest and disease threats. We will only agree to alternative measures if our assessment concludes the measures effectively manage the biosecurity risks associated with importing bananas from the Philippines to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP).
As a member of the World Trade Organization, Australia is obliged to consider formal requests for alternative measures from our trading partners. Where possible, we must develop import conditions that achieve Australia’s ALOP, are scientifically justified, and do not unreasonably restrict trade.
From 17 September, we are holding virtual and in-person information sessions to explain the assessment process, how we will engage you and to answer any of your questions. For more information and to register, visit our Humanitix event page.
We will release an issues paper that outlines the assessment process in more detail. It will also provide background information on the Philippines’ requests, what will be considered during the assessment and how and when stakeholders will be engaged. We expect to release this in the first half of 2026, noting this timing is subject to change.
Following this, and once we complete the initial assessment, we will release a draft report for public consultation.
The notification that we are conducting the assessment does not mean that trade will occur or is imminent. There are several steps still required before any decision is made whether or not it is safe to implement alternative measures. The full process could take several years.
Further information can be found on our webpage.
We will keep stakeholders informed as the assessment progresses, including by issuing Biosecurity Advices. We encourage stakeholders interested in receiving updates to subscribe via our online subscription service. By subscribing to ‘Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant’, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy.
Peter Finnin
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1)
Email: imports@aff.gov.au