128-2025: Proposed changes to testing requirements for tomato and capsicum seed for sowing

17 April 2025

Who does this notice affect?

This notice is relevant to importers of tomato and capsicum seed for sowing from all countries, as well as their custom brokers.

What is changing?

The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry have commenced a review of Australia’s policies for testing tomato and capsicum seed, initially focusing on Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) and Tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV).

In the first phase of this review, we are examining seed testing protocols and laboratory authorisation. We are proposing changes to the current requirements, as outlined below.

Laboratory authorisation

Currently, any offshore seed testing laboratory can conduct seed testing. We are proposing to change this policy by establishing a list of provisionally authorised laboratories that we have registered to undertake seed testing.

Seed testing protocols

As part of this review, we are proposing changes to the list of approved testing protocols for detecting ToBRFV and ToMMV. We originally implemented the current protocols during emergency measures in 2019, but following further review, have identified more suitable protocols for both viruses.

We are proposing the following changes to the testing protocols:

• Updating the specific qPCR protocols approved for ToBRFV and ToMMV testing.
  • Table 1 shows the proposed approved PCR protocols. As detailed in this table, authorised laboratories will be required to test every tomato and capsicum seed lot using two approved protocols for each virus.
  • Table 2 lists the previously approved end-point reverse-transcription PCRs for ToBRFV and ToMMV detection, which will no longer be approved and will be removed from the list.

• Setting defined Ct (Cq) cut-off scores for determining qPCR results.
  • Under the updated conditions, laboratories must use our approved Ct (Cq) cut-off scores when interpreting amplification results.
• Specifying additional testing processes and interpretation requirements.
• Introducing requirements for re-testing subsamples after potentially anomalous amplifications.
  • Laboratories may re-test or conduct confirmatory testing on some RNA extracts if a result appears anomalous. However, as outlined in the attachment, laboratories must use approved qPCRs protocols, and the same Ct cut-off scores will apply.
• Introducing requirements for record keeping.
  • Laboratories must keep records of protocols and standard operating procedures, test results, and any decisions about potentially anomalous results. These records must be made available to us upon request.

Full details of the proposed changes to seed testing protocols can be found in the Proposed testing requirements for ToBRFV and ToMMV in tomato and capsicum seed.

We are notifying seed disease testing laboratories of these proposed changes and inviting feedback from all interested parties by 9 May 2025 (see below for instructions on how to submit feedback). Once feedback is considered and any changes are confirmed, laboratories that intend to test tomato and capsicum seed for import into Australia must acknowledge they can meet the updated protocols and register with us as an authorised testing laboratory. We will publish instructions in the coming weeks on how laboratories can register.

These proposed changes form part of a broader review of laboratory assurance policies for seed pathogen testing across all seed pathways. We will undertake further consultation as this review progresses.

When will the changes come into effect?

• We are seeking feedback on the proposed changes by COB 9 May.
• After reviewing the feedback, we will confirm the changes in May 2025 and outline when they will come into effect.  

Transition period for consignments in transit or that have already been tested

• Once the changes are confirmed, a transition period will apply before the new requirements become mandatory. Seed lots that have already been tested for ToBRFV and ToMMV under the existing conditions will continue to be accepted for 4 weeks from the implementation date.
• Any consignments certified after the transition period must comply with the new requirements.
• Consignments certified after the transition period that do not meet the new conditions will be offered onshore testing at an approved laboratory in Australia (at the importer’s expense), export or disposal.

Further information

Feedback can be provided to Plant Import Operations via email at imports@aff.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email ‘Plant T2 - Seed for sowing’) by COB 9 May.

Please review the Proposed testing requirements for ToBRFV and ToMMV in tomato and capsicum seed below for more information on these changes.