5 June 2012
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the release of the Final report for the non regulated analysis of existing policy for fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity proposes that the importation of fresh mangosteen fruit to Australia from Indonesia be permitted subject to a range of quarantine conditions. The report identifies species of spider mites, mealybugs and ants that require quarantine measures.
Australia has existing quarantine policy that allows the importation of fresh mangosteen fruit from Thailand, subject to specific quarantine conditions. Following a request for market access from Indonesia’s Agricultural Quarantine Agency, Australia initiated a non-regulated analysis for the importation of fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia.
The non-regulated analysis commenced on 4 June 2010 (Biosecurity Australia Advice 2010/17). A draft report was released for a 60 day stakeholder consultation period on 9 March 2012 (Biosecurity Advice 2012/05). Following stakeholder consultation, all comments received were carefully considered in the preparation of the final report.
The report identifies species of spider mites, mealybugs and ants as quarantine pests that require measures to manage risks to a very low level in order to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP). While fruit flies are pests of concern, mangosteen fruit are considered conditional non-hosts when undamaged and at specific maturity levels.
Regional differences were identified for one quarantine pest, a mealybug species, for Western Australia. The proposed quarantine measures take account of these regional differences.
This report recommends a combination of risk management measures and operational systems that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of fresh mangosteen fruit from Indonesia into Australia to achieve Australia’s ALOP, specifically:
- packing of undamaged fruit of maturity index of 2–3 (fruit with reddish spots or reddish skin) because such fruit does not host fruit flies
- a systems approach (cleaning of the fruit, including under the calyx, using pressurised air blasting and brushing; fumigation with methyl bromide; and regulatory visual inspection and remedial action) for spider mites, mealybugs and ants
- a supporting operational system to maintain and verify the phytosanitary status of consignments – DAFF Biosecurity will verify that the proposed phytosanitary measures have been applied
- pre-export phytosanitary inspection and certification by the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (IAQA) and on-arrival phytosanitary inspection, remedial action if required, and clearance by DAFF Biosecurity.
The final report and information about the risk analysis process are available at www.daff.gov.au. Printed copies are available, if required.
Dr Colin J Grant
First Assistant Secretary
Plant Division