Release of Final report for the non-regulated analysis of existing policy for fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia
June 2012
Non-regulated analysis of existing policy
Why was this non-regulated analysis of existing policy being undertaken?
Australia responded to a formal market access request for fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia, submitted in 2008.
Why was the risk assessment being done as a non-regulated analysis instead of an import risk analysis under the regulated process?
Import policy already exists for fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand. Australia allows the import of fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand subject to specific quarantine conditions.
A preliminary assessment of the pests and diseases of fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia did not identify any significantly different pests or disease types that were not assessed during the import risk analysis (IRA) for fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand.
It was therefore concluded that the import of fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia would not pose significantly different quarantine risks, or require significantly different management measures than those that already exist for fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand.
In view of this, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity determined that the market access request for Indonesian mangosteens would be conducted as a non-regulated analysis of existing policy rather than a regulated IRA.
What is a risk analysis?
A risk analysis identifies the pests and diseases relevant to an import proposal, assesses the risks posed by them and, if those risks are unacceptable, specifies what measures should be taken to reduce those risks to an acceptable level. These analyses are described in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2011, available on the DAFF website.
What are the key aspects of a non-regulated analysis of existing policy?
The non-regulated analysis has had the same level of scientific rigour and technical assessment as a regulated analysis.
Stakeholders have been formally consulted in the same way as with a regulated import risk analysis.
The draft report was circulated for a 60-day formal consultation period. All comments received were considered prior to the report being finalised.
What quarantine pests have been identified?
The pests of quarantine concern are species of spider mites, mealybugs and ants. While fruit flies are pests of concern, mangosteen fruit are considered conditional non-hosts when undamaged and at specific maturity levels.
What quarantine measures have been recommended for fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia?
The report recommends a combination of risk management measures and operational systems that will reduce the risk associated with the import of fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia into Australia, to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP), specifically:
- packing of undamaged fruit of maturity index of 2–3 (fruit with reddish spots or reddish skin) because such fruit does not host fruit flies
- a systems approach (cleaning of the fruit, including under the calyx, using brushing and pressurised air blasting; fumigation with methyl bromide; and regulatory visual inspection and remedial action) for spider mites, mealybugs and ants
- a supporting operational system to maintain and verify the phytosanitary status of consignments. DAFF - Biosecurity will verify that the proposed phytosanitary measures have been applied
- pre-export phytosanitary inspection and certification by the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (IAQA) and on-arrival phytosanitary inspection, remedial action if required, and clearance by DAFF Biosecurity.
Are there any regional differences for Australian states?
Regional differences have been identified for one pest, a mealybug species. This pest has been identified as a quarantine pest for Western Australia.
The recommended quarantine measures take account of these regional differences.
What are the next steps?
Biosecurity authorities in Australia and Indonesia will develop an import protocol that implements risk management measures recommended in the final non-regulated analysis report.
DAFF Biosecurity is responsible for implementing this policy and reserves the right to audit compliance with any aspect of the import policy before import permits are issued. Once import permit have been issued and Australia’s import conditions complied with, trade can commence.
Does Australia allow any imports of mangosteen fruit now?
Australia currently imports fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand, subject to specific quarantine conditions.
Will Australia be adequately protected from exotic pests?
A comprehensive risk assessment of pests of quarantine concern has been undertaken and, where appropriate, risk management options have been recommended to address any risks of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia.
The assessment is based on the latest available scientific information and reflects Australia’s conservative approach to managing quarantine risks.
Can Australia have zero risk?
A ‘zero risk’ stance is impractical, as it would mean no tourists, no international travel and no imports of commodities. Nevertheless, Australia adopts a conservative approach to quarantine to ensure that risks are managed to a very low level.
Science-based risk analysis provides an important foundation for safe trade. Australia only accepts imports once we are confident that the risks of pests that could be associated with specific imports can be managed appropriately, in accordance with Australia’s appropriate level of protection.
Australia exports almost two thirds of its agricultural produce. The future of our agricultural and food industries, including their capacity to contribute to growth and jobs, depends on Australia’s capacity to maintain good animal and plant health status. Our future also depends on the conditions our industries face overseas.
Therefore, it is very important to Australia that fair and consistent trading rules are in place around the world, as provided for in the World Trade Organization. Australia cannot expect trading partners to take its export produce if it is not prepared to apply consistent rules to imported products, nor could Australia be optimistic about opening up new export markets.
Consultation
How does DAFF Biosecurity consult stakeholders?
DAFF Biosecurity consults with stakeholders by issuing Biosecurity Advices (BA) and draft documents, as well as informal consultation throughout the non regulated risk analysis process.
DAFF Biosecurity provided a draft pest categorisation table for fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia to the relevant state and territory departments on 24 November 2011 for advance consideration.
The draft report was circulated for a 60-day formal consultation period, ending on 8 May 2012.
DAFF Biosecurity received two submissions in response to the draft report. These comments were considered carefully in the preparation of the final report.