29 June 2023
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to remind stakeholders that phytosanitary certificates are required for all regulated plants and plant products, including grain, being exported to Japan.
Summary of changes and key points
- Consignments of grain and other regulated plants and plant products arriving in Japan on or after 5 August 2023 without an accompanying phytosanitary certificate will not be permitted entry.
- Commodity-specific Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor) Plants cases have been created for grain commodities which are regularly exported to Japan to ensure awareness of phytosanitary certificate requirements for grain shipments to Japan.
Background
Japan has been allowing the importation of some grain commodities imported as commercial cargo without an accompanying phytosanitary certificate, provided that no quarantine pests were detected during import inspection.
Following a transition period of 3 years, Japan will begin strictly enforcing phytosanitary certificate requirements for all regulated plants and plant products, including grain, from 5 August 2023. From this date, Japan will not allow importation of regulated plants and plant products into Japan unless a phytosanitary certificate is presented.
Exporter responsibilities
Australian exporters should:
- communicate with their Japanese importers to confirm Japan’s phytosanitary import requirements for their consignments of grain and other regulated plants and plant products
- ensure a phytosanitary certificate is issued for all consignments of grain and other regulated plants and plant products exported to Japan.
Authorised officer responsibilities
- Authorised Officers (AOs) working for exporters and establishments that export grain commodities to Japan must familiarise themselves with the importing country and inspection requirements.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Grain and Seed Exports Program.
Rossana Carr
Acting Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch