21 September 2018
This Biosecurity Advice announces the formal commencement of a review of biosecurity import requirements for fresh Capsicum spp. fruit (capsicums, chillies and peppers) from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu (Pacific Island countries).
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) expects to release the draft report for public consultation in mid-2019.
The commencement of this risk analysis is in response to requests for fresh Capsicum spp. fruit from Pacific Island countries. Capsicum spp. fruit from the Pacific Island countries comprises of various chilli, capsicum and pepper species.
A preliminary assessment of the pests associated with Capsicum spp. fruit from the Pacific Island countries has identified that the potential quarantine pests are the same, or of the same pest groups, as those associated with other horticulture goods that have been assessed previously by the department and for which risk management measures exist.
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 Capsicum spp. fruit from the Pacific Island countries will be progressed as a review of biosecurity import requirements (a non-regulated risk analysis), consistent with the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis Guidelines 2016.
Further information on this risk analysis can be found in the Announcement Information Paper.
The department expects to release a draft report for public consultation in mid-2019. Another Biosecurity Advice will be issued to invite comment at that time. The department 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 the department’s new online subscription service. By subscribing to Biosecurity Risk Analysis Plant, stakeholders will receive Biosecurity Advices and other notifications relating to plant biosecurity policy, including this risk analysis.
Dr Marion Healy
First Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Plant Division
Telephone: 1800 900 090 (option 1, option 1)
Email: Imports