Information via the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website
Why DAFF is conducting the assessment
DAFF states it must consider the Philippines’ request for alternative measures. This is due to Australia’s international obligations as members of the World Trade Organisation. Where possible, DAFF must develop import conditions that:
- achieve Australia’s ALOP
- are scientifically justified
- do not unreasonably restrict trade
What the assessment will involve
The assessment will involve:
- an assessment of biosecurity risks including the 3 pathogens of concern. These are Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle.
- consideration of alternative risk management measures where required
- a review of the 2008 import risk analysis to:
- ensure the assessments of other pests are still appropriate
- determine whether any new biosecurity risks have emerged since 2008
- consideration of 2 additional requests from the Philippines. These were not assessed in the 2008 import risk analysis:
- an additional cultivar known as GCTCV-218 or Formosana
- an additional export province, Davao de Oro in the Davao Region or Region 11.
Further steps before any trade begins
If the assessment finds that there are measures that can reduce the biosecurity risk to achieve Australia’s appropriate level of protection (ALOP), DAFF must complete several further steps before trade could start.
These steps include:
- verifying that the Philippines can meet any recommended risk management measures
- developing import conditions
- publishing import conditions in our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
This assessment is complex, and the full process could take several years to complete.
If imports commence, the feasibility of trade ultimately depends on Australian consumers.
Consumers can make informed decisions about what they buy based on quality, price and country of origin specified in labelling laws.