18 August 2008
Commencement of an Import Risk Analysis for Table Grapes from China
This Biosecurity Australia Advice announces the formal commencement of an import risk analysis (IRA) under the regulated IRA process to consider a proposal to import table grapes from China.
This analysis will be undertaken as a standard IRA, requiring completion within 24 months from announcement. Having regard to the substantial preliminary work already undertaken, Biosecurity Australia expects it will be able to complete the IRA earlier than the 24 months allowed under the regulated IRA process.
Biosecurity Australia will prepare a draft IRA report, which will be circulated to stakeholders for comment.
Biosecurity Australia Policy Memorandum 2007/20 of 12 September 2007 advised stakeholders that changes to the import risk analysis (IRA) process had been implemented on 5 September 2007 when regulations made under the Quarantine Act 1908 formally took effect. That advice also notified the transitional arrangements for Biosecurity Australia’s import work program, including table grapes from China that would be conducted under the new regulated IRA process.
Although the regulations allow a timeframe of 24 months to complete a standard IRA, in view of the substantial preliminary work already undertaken, this IRA is expected to be completed in less than 24 months from this announcement.
The next step is to release a draft IRA report to enable all interested stakeholders to comment and provide submissions.
In announcing this IRA, Biosecurity Australia has considered advice from the Import Market Access Advisory Group, which was established as part of the improved IRA arrangements to advise Biosecurity Australia on priorities for import proposals.
The regulations require the Chief Executive of Biosecurity Australia to formally announce the commencement of IRAs to be undertaken under the regulated process. This announcement triggers the start of the regulated timeframe for an IRA.
Further information on the regulated IRA process can be found on Biosecurity Australia’s website.
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact officer: Louise van Meurs
Telephone: +61 2 6272 4042
Facsimile: +61 2 6272 3307
Email: Plant Biosecurity