Industry Advice Notice no. G2009/06
30 September 2009
Purpose
To advise industry of emergency measures being applied by Chinese quarantine authorities in relation to all canola seed exports from Australia into China, effective 15 October 2009.
Issue
On the 24 September 2009, Australia received notification from China that testing of a canola seed consignment destined for processing indicated the presence of Leptosphaeria maculans (rape black stem rot). China has advised Australia of emergency measures that must be applied from 15 October 2009 for all Australian canola seed consignments being exported to China. These emergency measures require consignments to be inspected for Leptosphaeria maculans and that freedom from this pathogen is endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate.
Australia has provided a response to China in relation to this notification. Although Australia will be liaising with China on this issue the above emergency measures will need to be implemented by Australia effective from the 15 October 2009.
Industry is advised that to comply with the Chinese requirements testing of consignments will be necessary to meet the emergency certification requirement. Exporters should allow sufficient time for this testing to occur to enable appropriate certification on the phytosanitary certificate.
AQIS will be working with industry representatives to determine an appropriate sampling and testing method and will provide further advice once this becomes available.
Industry is advised to contact AQIS for exports of canola seed to China and to consider the implications of the emergency measures when negotiating future canola contracts.
Further Enquiries/Contact Officer
If you require further information please contact:
Ms Jenny Dunn
Telephone (02) 6272 5102.