Australia established emergency measures for tomato and capsicum seeds

Emergency phytosanitary measures for the importation of tomato and capsicum seeds are being introduced to mitigate the biosecurity risk posed by Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).

ToMMV (Tobamovirus genus) is an emerging biosecurity risk to Australian tomato and capsicum growers. This virus is known to naturally infect tomato and capsicum resulting in unmarketable fruit, and has plant disease resistance breaking capability.

Recently, tomato and capsicum consignments of seeds for sowing intended to enter Australia have tested positive for ToMMV. Australia's existing import conditions for the importation of tomato and capsicum seeds do not require specific risk mitigation measures against ToMMV. Therefore, emergency measures will be introduced for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and capsicum (Capsicum annuum species complex) seeds.

A transition period will be provided before the commencement of emergency measures to minimise the potential for trade disruption:

Transition period: Consignments that are shipped from an exporting country before midnight preceding 19 November 2019 will be permitted entry into Australia under existing arrangements (no additional measures).

Commencement of mandatory testing: Consignments that are shipped after midnight 19 November 2019 must undergo Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for ToMMV either on-shore or off-shore.

Phytosanitary certification requirements:

Seed lots of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and capsicum (Capsicum annuum species complex) that are tested off-shore must be accompanied by an official government Phytosanitary Certificate endorsed with the following additional declaration:

'The consignment of [botanical name(s) (Genus species)] comprises [insert number of tomato/capsicum seed lots] seed lot(s); for each seed lot, seeds were tested by PCR [insert laboratory name(s) and report number(s)] using protocols approved by the Australian Department of Agriculture on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free from Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).'

Optional: For consignments that do not have the specific additional phytosanitary declarations but have laboratory testing reports.

The consignment must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate that links to, and is accompanied by, a laboratory report. The botanical name and lot number(s) must be presented on the Phytosanitary Certificate. The laboratory report must state:

The seed species tested; That a 20,000 seed sample (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) was tested and the test type used; The primers and protocol used are approved by the department; The test result confirming freedom from ToMMV; The lot number(s), which must match the phytosanitary certificate; The date of testing; The laboratory name and address.

Details of these emergency measures, including department-approved protocols are available on the department's website:

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant-products/seeds-for-sowing/emergency-measures-tommv-qa.

Products covered: Seeds for sowing of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and capsicum (Capsicum annuum species complex)

HS Codes: 070200, 070960

Proposed date of adoption:  NA

Proposed date of entry into force:  19 November 2019

Final date for comments: Not applicable

If the Proposal/Notification/Regulation will affect your International Business please send us your representation with facts and figures , so that these can be taken up suitably.