10 May 2019
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise industry that the department has postponed the implementation of the phytosanitary treatment application standards for the export of fresh produce to protocol markets.
Summary of changes and key points
- The department has postponed the implementation of the new phytosanitary treatment application standards for the export of fresh produce to protocol markets until16 August 2019.
- We are currently working to update and modernise our Registered Establishment Audit and Performance Standards for plant exports. To ensure a smooth transition we have decided to release these documents concurrently, as some of the changes will assist in the implementation of the treatment standards.
Industry responsibilities
Industry and department staff must comply with the relevant Australian phytosanitary treatment application standard and performance standards by 16 August 2019.
Background
Australian phytosanitary treatment application standards have been developed as part of improvements to the department’s horticulture export certification system. The introduction of standards aims to make it easier for treatment providers to understand the department and importing country requirements.
The development and application of treatment standard packages will provide a stronger platform for market access negotiations. These packages will help build trading partner’s understanding of treatments, and how they are applied in Australia, in order to promote acceptance of these treatments and compliance measures. This is intended to protect the status of market access and present cost savings and efficiencies to industry.
The treatment application standards were due to come into effect on the 13 May 2019, as notified in IAN 2019-10.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email Horticulture Exports Program.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch