22 November 2012
A non-regulated analysis of existing policy
Why was this analysis undertaken?
Australia is undertaking this risk analysis in response to formal market access requests for fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam in 2003. Lychees are Taiwan’s and Vietnam’s top horticultural priority for market access to Australia.
Why did DAFF consider the requests from Taiwan and Vietnam together in a single analysis?
Given the similarity of pests, dealing with requests from Taiwan and Vietnam in a single analysis is the most efficient use of available resources and addresses the two top priorities at the same time.
Previously, requests from China and Thailand for longan and lychee access were considered together in a single analysis.
Why is the risk assessment being done as non-regulated analysis instead of an Import Risk Analysis under the regulated process?
Import policy for fresh lychee fruit from China and Thailand was developed in 2004. Australia already allows the import of fresh lychee fruit from China and Thailand subject to specific quarantine conditions.
A preliminary assessment of the pests and diseases of fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam has not identified any new pest or disease types that were not assessed during the import risk analysis for fresh longan and lychee fruit from China and Thailand.
The importation of lychees from Taiwan and Vietnam should not pose significantly different quarantine risks, or require significantly different management measures, than those that apply to lychees from China and Thailand.
In view of this, DAFF determined that the market access requests for lychees from Taiwan and Vietnam be conducted as a non-regulated analysis of existing policy, rather than a regulated import risk analysis (IRA).
What quarantine pests have been identified?
The pests of quarantine concern are two fruit flies, a fruit borer and seven mealybugs. They are:
Melon fruit fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae)
Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
Litchi fruit borer (Conopomorpha sinensis)
Lepelleyi mealybug (Dysmicoccus lepelleyi)
Intercepted mealybug (Paracoccus interceptus)
Coffee mealybug (Planococcus lilacinus)
Litchi mealybug (Planococcus litchi)
Passionvine mealybug (Planococcus minor)
Citriculus mealybug (Pseudococcus cryptus)
Jack Beardsley mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi)
Are there any regional differences for Australian states?
Regional differences have been identified for one mealybug species. This pest has been identified as a quarantine pest for Western Australia.
The proposed quarantine measures take account of this regional difference.
What quarantine measures have been proposed for fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam?
The draft report proposes a combination of risk management measures and operational systems that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam into Australia, to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP), specifically:
- pest management measures including:
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- cold disinfestation treatment or vapour heat treatment (VHT) for the management of fruit flies
- cold disinfestation treatment or orchard control, inspection and remedial action or orchard freedom for the management of litchi fruit borer
- visual inspection and remedial action for the management of mealybugs; or
- irradiation for the identified quarantine pests
- supporting operational maintenance systems and verification of phytosanitary status.
Will Australia be adequately protected from exotic pests?
A comprehensive risk assessment of pests of quarantine concern has been undertaken and, where appropriate, risk management options have been proposed to address any risks of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia.
The assessment is based on the latest available scientific information and the measures proposed reflect Australia’s overall approach to managing quarantine risks.
Does this give the go-ahead for the importation of fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam?
No. Stakeholders are invited to provide written comments and submissions on the draft report by 1 February 2013. All submissions will be considered carefully by DAFF in preparing a final report.
Does Australia allow any imports of fresh lychee fruit now?
Yes, Australia currently permits the importation of fresh lychee fruit from China and Thailand, subject to specific quarantine conditions
Consultation
How does DAFF consult stakeholders?
DAFF is consulting with domestic and international stakeholders during the non-regulated analysis process.
DAFF consulted with the lychee industry prior to the announcement of the non-regulated analysis of existing policy.
DAFF provided a draft pest categorisation table to the state and territory departments on 4 June 2012 for consideration and identification of regional pests. Comments received have been incorporated into the draft report.
The draft report is being circulated for a formal consultation period, which ends on 1 February 2013.
DAFF will consider all submissions received in response to the draft report within the consultation period.
How will industry expertise be used in this process?
All necessary expertise will be brought to bear to assess the relevant quarantine issues associated with the proposed import of fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam. DAFF is inviting comments and submissions from all stakeholders, including industry.
Background
Will the potential importation have an impact on the domestic lychee industry?
The impact on the domestic lychee industry will be minimal, if any. Potential export of fresh lychee fruit from Taiwan and Vietnam would be between May and July compared to domestic production available from October to March.
Does Australia export fresh lychee fruit to other countries?
Yes, Australia has been exporting fresh lychee fruit to many countries or regions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, French Polynesia, Fiji, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Lebanon, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Canada and New Zealand. The total export for 2010–11 was 134 tonnes, about 4 per cent of the annual production.
What is a risk analysis?
A risk analysis identifies the pests relevant to an import proposal, assesses the risks posed by them and, if those risks are unacceptable, specifies what measures should be taken to reduce those risks to an acceptable level. These analyses are described in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2011.
What are the key aspects of a non-regulated analysis of existing policy?
A non-regulated analysis has the same level of scientific rigour and technical assessment as a regulated analysis; however, it is not restricted by the same timeframes.
Stakeholders are formally consulted in the same way as with a regulated import risk analysis.
The risk analysis report will be circulated to stakeholders for comment during a formal consultation period. Any comments received will be carefully considered prior to the report being finalised.