13 August 2010
Commencement of an import risk analysis for the import of ginger from Fiji
This Biosecurity Australia Advice announces the formal commencement of an import risk analysis (IRA) to assess the plant quarantine risks from the importation of fresh ginger from Fiji for human consumption.
The analysis will be undertaken as a standard IRA under the regulated process, requiring completion within 24 months from announcement.
Biosecurity Australia will prepare a draft IRA report to be circulated to stakeholders for comment. Stakeholders will have up to 60 days to submit written comments.
Biosecurity Australia received a formal request from Fiji, through its National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), seeking market access for fresh ginger to Australia in 2003.
In announcing this IRA, Biosecurity Australia has considered advice from the Import Market Access Advisory Group which advises Biosecurity Australia on priorities for import proposals.
Regulations under the Quarantine Act 1908 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 this IRA.
Under the regulations, a standard IRA must be completed within 24 months. The regulated timeframe will end when a provisional final IRA report is issued.
The next step is to issue a draft IRA report to present the results of the risk analysis. Biosecurity Australia will issue a BAA announcing that a draft IRA report has been placed on its website and invite comments on the draft report. Under the regulations, stakeholders will have up to 60 days to submit written comments on the draft IRA report.
Biosecurity Australia will consider all comments received on the draft IRA report and prepare a provisional final IRA report. Biosecurity Australia will issue a BAA when the provisional final IRA report has been published.
Bill Magee for
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact: Kat Smith
Telephone: +61 2 6272 3933
Facsimile: +61 2 6272 4333