14 December 2012
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders that Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine (the Director) has determined a policy for the importation of fresh decrowned pineapple fruit from Malaysia based on consideration of the Final import risk analysis report for the importation of fresh decrowned pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) fruit from Malaysia. In doing so, the Director provides guidance to the department’s permit issuing staff to take account of the measures set out in that final import risk analysis report in considering applications for permits.
Background
In response to a proposal from Malaysia, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) completed an import risk analysis (IRA) on fresh decrowned pineapple fruit from Malaysia. The IRA was completed in accordance with the provisions stipulated in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2011 (IRA Handbook) for a standard regulated process.
The IRA process commenced on 9 June 2010 (Biosecurity Australia Advice (BAA) 2010/18). A draft IRA report was released for a 60-day consultation period on 19 October 2011 (BAA 2011/17). On 7 June 2012, the provisional final IRA report was released for a period of 30 days (Biosecurity Advice (BA) 2012/13), during which appeals could be made on the basis of a failure by DAFF to follow proper process, as set out in the IRA Handbook. One appeal was received and an Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel (the Panel) was formed to consider it (BA 2012/13).
The Panel, which is independent of the DAFF Plant Division which conducts the IRA, disallowed the appeal on 21 August 2012.
The Director considers that the risk management measures set out in this final report will achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP) against identified quarantine pests. The Director has made a policy determination that provides guidance to DAFF permit issuing staff to take account of the measures contained in the final IRA report. The determination does not of itself permit the importation of pineapples.
Recommended measures
The final IRA report recommends a combination of risk management measures and operational systems that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of fresh decrowned pineapple fruit from Malaysia into Australia to achieve Australia’s ALOP, specifically:
- pre-shipment or on-arrival methyl bromide fumigation, or an alternative post harvest treatment as approved by DAFF for four species of mealybugs
- an operational system for the maintenance and verification of the phytosanitary status of decrowned pineapple fruit, including:
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- registration of export plantations
- registration of packing houses and auditing of procedures
- registration of fumigators/treatment facilities and auditing of procedures
- packaging and labelling requirements
- specific conditions for storage and transport
- pre-export phytosanitary inspection and certification by the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia
- on-arrival phytosanitary inspection, remedial action when required, and clearance by DAFF staff.
The policy will be taken into account by DAFF officers when considering import permit applications for fresh decrowned pineapple fruit from Malaysia, in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998, as amended.
Next steps
This determination is an administrative step and is not the final step in the entire import process. There are a number of other steps that must be completed before imports can commence. Importantly, a work plan will need to be developed with the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia in order that Malaysia can demonstrate that its phytosanitary system complies with Australia’s import requirements.
DAFF will visit Malaysia to audit the implementation of agreed import conditions and measures, including registration of production sites, operational procedures in packing houses and any treatment practices, such as fumigation.
No import permit will be issued until DAFF is completely satisfied that import conditions are consistent with measures proposed to manage biosecurity risks, and that Malaysia is able to comply. The issuance of an import permit is a regulatory process that is subject to judicial review.
The Final import risk analysis report for the importation of fresh decrowned pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) fruit from Malaysia and frequently asked questions and answers.
Printed copies are available, if required.
Dr Colin J Grant
First Assistant Secretary
Contact: David Heinrich
Telephone: +61 2 6272 3933
Facsimile: +61 2 6271 3307
Email: Plant