19 December 2013
Purpose
To advise clients that Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture (DoA) intends to implement new phytosanitary import requirements from 1 July 2014.
Key Issues
The DoA has advised the Australian Department of Agriculture (the department) that it intends to implement new phytosanitary import requirements for all exporting countries. The DoA proposes that from 1 July 2014, a number of regulated plants and plant products will require import permits and phytosanitary certificates.
The department understands that the new requirements will be for the following regulated articles: soybeans; corn (maize); cocoa; coffee; tobacco; cotton; bananas; hay; citrus; and plant products for animal and livestock feed. The DoA proposes a ‘soft implementation’ period from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2014. During this period, the importation of these items shall continue under the current arrangements, but will be closely monitored. Malaysia’s current importing requirements are detailed on the MICoR database.
The details of the proposed requirements have not yet been released by the DoA. The department continues to seek clarification from Malaysia on these details. All WTO members will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed requirements before they are implemented.
The department will work closely with Malaysia and Australian exporters to fulfil the new requirements. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
If you have any further enquiries, please contact Plant Export Operations at either: Horticulture Exports Program or Grain Export
[signed]
Russell Cant
Assistant Secretary (A/g)
Plant Export Operations