27 April 2015
Purpose
To advise Australian exporters that the import conditions for wheat (Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum and Triticum tauschii) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare) for processing and consumption to the People’s Republic of China have changed as a result of new protocol signed on 23 April 2015.
Background
A protocol was agreed between the governments of China and Australia in December 2014 to ensure the trade of wheat and barley from Australia to China would continue for a further three years or more.
Key Points
- The new wheat and barley export protocol is effective from the date of formal signing (23 April) by Australia and China. Under the new protocol, an import permit must be acquired by Chinese importers.
- Both parties agreed that the new protocol will be implemented in conjunction with Explanatory Notes submitted by the Department of Agriculture and the “Industry Management Plan to supply wheat and barley to the Chinese Market” to minimise the amount of foreign matter, weed seeds and other pests of concern in export consignments.
- While China accepts that absolute freedom from quarantine weed seeds may not be possible, it is the exporter’s responsibility to ensure that the levels of these weed seeds in wheat and barley consignments are reduced.
- MICoR Plants has been updated and compliance with the new import conditions will be required for phytosanitary certificates to be issued.
- To meet Australia’s legislative requirements and China’s importing requirements, Authorised Officers will conduct phytosanitary inspections prior to exporting wheat and barley to China. A phytosanitary certificate will be issued for consignments found to be compliant with the new wheat and barley protocol requirements.
- An additional declaration stating that “The consignment meets the requirements established in the Protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of wheat and barley from Australia to China” will be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate.
If you require further information, please contact the Grain and Seed Export Program on 02 6272 3229 or email Grain Export.
Kylie Calhoun
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations