30 August 2023
This Biosecurity Advice notifies stakeholders of the formal commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh melon fruit for human consumption from Japan.
We expect to release the draft report for public consultation in mid-2024.
The commencement of this risk analysis is in response to a market access request for fresh melon fruit from Japan. The market access request and risk analysis applies to all types of melons (Cucumis melo), except for oriental melon (C. melo var. makuwa) and oriental pickling melon (C. melo var. utilissimus, syn. C. melo var. conomon).
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with melons from Japan has identified that the potential pests of biosecurity concern are the same as, or similar to, pests or pest groups we have previously assessed for melons and other horticultural goods, and for which risk management measures exist. These pests include true bugs, spider mites, thrips, fungi, fungus-like organisms and viruses.
Given the similarity of pests of concern, and that there are appropriate risk management measures already established for these pests or pest groups, the risk analysis for melons from Japan will be progressed as a review of biosecurity import requirements and not a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis (BIRA) in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis Guidelines 2016.
Further information on this risk analysis can be found on our webpage.
We expect to release a draft report for public consultation in mid-2024. We will issue another Biosecurity Advice to invite comments at that time. We will consider all stakeholder comments received during the consultation period in preparing the final report.
We invite stakeholders interested in receiving updates on biosecurity risk analyses 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.
Monica Collins
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant and Science Services Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (when prompted select option 1, then option 1)
Email: imports@aff.gov.au