15 May 2015
Purpose
To advise Australian exporters on revised conditions for the export of sorghum to the People’s Republic of China.
Background
The Department of Agriculture has been working with Australian industry and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) to facilitate the export of sorghum to China. The export of Sorghum for stockfeed to China requires freedom from a number of weed seeds including Sorghum almum (Columbus grass) and Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass).
The current import conditions for Sorghum for processing and consumption require a phytosanitary certificate with no additional declarations. However, some Australian exporters have been receiving import permits requiring freedom from pests that have previously only been required for sorghum for stockfeed.
Key Points
Sorghum for processing and consumption
- AQSIQ has confirmed that import permits for sorghum for processing or consumption should not include the requirement for freedom from pests that have previously only applied to sorghum for stockfeed.
- Where exporters have received an import permit requiring freedom from a number of weed seeds, including Sorghum almum (Columbus grass), Sorghum halepense (Johnson grass) and Datura spp, they should contact their importers to obtain a correct import permit for sorghum for consumption and processing without additional declarations. The department is aware that some exporters have already been successful in achieving this.
Sorghum for stockfeed
- AQSIQ has confirmed that freedom from various pests in sorghum for stockfeed is required due to a recent pest risk analysis.
- In recognising that absolute freedom from various weed seeds in sorghum for stockfeed is difficult, AQSIQ have agreed that Australia can adopt measures to minimise the presence of these weed seeds to meet China’s phytosanitary requirements.
- This will be an interim measure until a formal protocol is developed and signed.
- The MICoR case for sorghum for stockfeed has been updated.
If you require further information, please contact the Grain and Seed Export Program on
02 6272 3229 or email
grain.export@aff.gov.au.
Kylie Calhoun
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations