Plant Biosecurity Advice 2022-P01 - Announcement of the commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements for the importation of fresh dragon fruit for consumption from the Philippines

21 February 2022

The commencement of this risk analysis is in response to a market access request for fresh dragon fruit from the Philippines.

A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with dragon fruit from the Philippines has identified that the potential pests of quarantine concern are the same as, or similar to, pests that have been assessed previously by Australia on dragon fruit from Indonesia and Vietnam, and/or other horticultural commodities from various countries. They are not expected to pose different biosecurity risks. These pests include fruit flies, mealybugs and thrips.

Given the similar pests of concern, and that there are established appropriate risk management measures for these pests or pest groups, the risk analysis for dragon fruit from the Philippines will be progressed as a review of biosecurity import requirements, consistent with the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis Guidelines 2016.

Further information on this risk analysis can be found in the Announcement Information Paper.

We expect to release a draft report for public consultation by the end of 2022 and will issue another Biosecurity Advice to invite comment at that time. We will consider all stakeholder comments received during the consultation period in preparing the final report.

Stakeholders interested in receiving information and updates on biosecurity risk analyses are invited to subscribe via our online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, you will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.

Chris Parker
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division

Telephone: 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1)
Email: imports@awe.gov.au