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WTO notification · SPS

AustraliaAdopted, according to its latest notice

Trees and other plants – Australia

Official title

Importing fresh cut flowers and foliage into Australia safely

Australia issued an addendum on 20 October 2025 to the earlier SPS notification G/SPS/N/AUS/435. Addenda often report that a measure was adopted, changed, postponed or withdrawn. The measure was first notified on 14 September 2017. The comment period closed on 19 December 2025.

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Source: WTO ePing (opens in a new tab). Summaries by Expodite, which is independent of the WTO.

Published here:

Updated here:

At a glance

Products

Cut flowers and foliage

HS codes
  • 06 · Trees and other plants, live; bulbs, roots and the like; cut flowers and ornamental foliage
    • 0603 Cut flowers and flower buds of a kind suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purposes, fresh, dried, dyed, bleached, impregnated or otherwise prepared
    • 0604 Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds, and grasses, mosses and lichens, of a kind suitable for bouquets or for…
Notifying member
Australia
Status
Adopted, according to its latest notice
Objectives
  • Plant protection
Area
SPS: Food safety, animal and plant healthSanitary and phytosanitary measures
Notification type
Regular notification
Document symbol
G/SPS/N/AUS/435Latest notice: G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.9
Keywords
Pests, Plant health, Change in date of adoption/publication/entry into force, Modification of final date for comments, Adoption/publication/entry into force of reg., Modification of content/scope of regulation

Key dates

Distributed by the WTO
Comment deadline
Closed on 19 December 2025
Proposed adoption
Not set in the notification
Proposed entry into force
Not set in the notification

What the notification says

Latest notice (⁨G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.9⁩, 20 October 2025)

The latest notice says the measure was adopted or published.

Review of devitalisation requirements for fresh cut flower and foliage imports: release of draft report

Australia has completed a Pest Risk Analysis of devitalisation requirements for fresh cut flower and foliage imports. This report is a continuation of the Final Report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1 (released on 21 June 2019) and Part 2 (released on 7 June 2021); refers to notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.7. Further information on the risk analysis and draft report, including proposed changes to phytosanitary requirements, can be found via the following link:

As part of the ongoing systematic review of Australia's import conditions, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has reviewed the import conditions for cut flower and foliage imports from all countries. The analysis of interception data undertaken as part of the review indicates a high detection rate of invertebrate pests on imported cut flowers and foliage including thrips, aphids and mites. Of particular concern is the high number and frequency of thrips detected as many of these are quarantine pests for Australia. Thrips are the primary vectors of tospoviruses, many of which are also quarantine pests for Australia. The ongoing high number of live pests detected on imported cut flowers poses a level of phytosanitary risk that exceeds Australia's appropriate level of protection. In view of this, the department is amending import conditions for cut flowers and foliage exported to Australia to require that consignments are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate verifying that they are free of live quarantine pests. The amended conditions will also require goods to be shipped in insect-proof packaging and labelled with the scientific name of the plant species. Certain species will require a devitalisation treatment to prevent propagation. The following phytosanitary measures may be applied to ensure absence of quarantine pests to achieve the required phytosanitary status: Produced and prepared for export under an NPPO-approved systems approach…

Notices on this measure

Every notice about this measure published here, newest first. Each one is the notifying member's own text.

  1. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.9

    Comment deadline: Closed on 19 December 2025

    Review of devitalisation requirements for fresh cut flower and foliage imports: release of draft report

    Australia has completed a Pest Risk Analysis of devitalisation requirements for fresh cut flower and foliage imports. This report is a continuation of the Final Report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1 (released on 21 June 2019) and Part 2 (released on 7 June 2021); refers to notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.7. Further information on the risk analysis and draft report, including proposed changes to phytosanitary requirements, can be found via the following link:

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  2. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.8

    Commencement of the draft Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flowers and Foliage Imports - Part 3

    This report is a continuation of the Final report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports -Part 1 (released on 21 June 2019) and Part 2, (released on 7 June 2021), refer to see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.7.

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  3. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.7

    Final report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 2

    The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has completed the Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 2. The final report recommends a combination of risk management measures and a system of operational procedures that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of cut flowers and foliage to a level that achieves Australia's appropriate level of protection. The Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) completes the assessment of arthropod pests associated with imported cut flowers and foliage. Part 1 of the PRA, published on 21 June 2019 and notified in G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5, assessed the mites (Arachnida: Acari), aphids (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) and thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera). Part 2 of the PRA assesses the risk associated with the beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera), flies (Insecta: Diptera), bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera (other than aphids)), wasps, bees and ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera) and moths and butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera). The final report recommends that the importation of cut flowers and foliage into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of phytosanitary measures. Phytosanitary measures are required for the management of 438 species of arthropod pests that are of biosecurity concern for Australia. This includes 74 species of beetles, 38 species of flies, 140 species of bugs (other than aphids), 13 species of wasps and 110 species of moths and butterflies identified as…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  4. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.6

    Comment deadline: Closed on 20 August 2020

    Release of the draft report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 2

    The draft report of the Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) and the confirmed measures to achieve Australia's appropriate level of protection for the import of fresh cut flowers and foliage from all countries was released on 22 May 2020. This report is a continuation of the Final report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1 which was released on 21 June 2019 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5). The Pest Risk Analysis (Part 2) furthers the assessment of all other arthropod pests associated with imported cut flowers and foliage which were not covered in Part 1 (mites, aphids and thrips). Part 2 assesses the risk associated with the beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera), flies (Insecta: Diptera), bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera (other than aphids)), wasps, bees and ants (Insecta: Hymenoptera) and moths and butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera). New biosecurity import conditions for imported fresh cut flowers and foliage were implemented on 1 March 2018 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1). The draft report confirms that these changes are necessary to protect Australia's plant producers and the natural environment from exotic pests. The draft report includes: Summary; Introduction; Commercial trade and production; Cut flower and foliage pathway; Previous import policies and principles; Changing patterns of activity and risk; Pest risk assessment; Pest risk management; Conclusion. Notification of the release of the draft report is…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  5. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.5

    Final report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports — Part 1

    The Australian Government Department of Agriculture (the department) has completed the risk analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports — Part 1. The final report recommends a combination of risk management measures and a system of operational procedures that will reduce the risk associated with the importation of cut flowers and foliage to a level that achieves Australia's appropriate level of protection. The final report recommends that the importation of cut flowers and foliage into Australia be permitted, subject to the application of phytosanitary measures. Phytosanitary measures are required for the management of 47 mite species, 21 aphid species and 84 thrips species identified as quarantine pests and/or regulated articles. The draft report for this risk analysis was published on the department's website on 14 November 2018 (G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.2). The consultation period was extended until 15 March 2019 (G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.3). The final Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) supports the changes to Australia's import conditions introduced in March 2018 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1). The revised conditions require that quarantine risks are appropriately reduced offshore before shipments are sent to Australia using an NPPO-approved systems approach, methyl bromide fumigation or an alternative NPPO-approved pre-shipment treatment. Under the changes, remedial fumigation, export or destruction can be applied onshore to address any live quarantine…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  6. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.4

    Importing fresh cut flowers and foliage into Australia safely

    Commencement of the draft Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flowers and Foliage Imports – Part 2.

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  7. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.3

    Comment deadline: Closed on 15 March 2019

    Extension for the comment period of the draft report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1

    The draft report of the pest risk analysis and the confirmed measures to achieve Australia's appropriate level of protection for the import of fresh cut flowers and foliage from all countries was released for comment on 14 November 2018. The draft pest risk analysis was released for public comment on 14 November 2018, with the comment period closing on 31 January 2019 (see SPS notification G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.2). Due to a number of stakeholders requesting extensions to the comment timeframe, the Australian Government is extending the comment period for another six weeks – now closing on Friday 15 March 2019. If stakeholders have already submitted comments but wish to provide more detail, subsequent submissions are welcome.

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  8. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.2

    Comment deadline: Closed on 31 January 2019

    Release of the draft report for the Pest Risk Analysis for Cut Flower and Foliage Imports - Part 1

    The draft report of the pest risk analysis and the confirmed measures to achieve Australia's appropriate level of protection for the import of fresh cut flowers and foliage from all countries was released on 14 November 2018. The analysis of interception data undertaken as part of the pest risk analysis indicates a high detection rate of invertebrate pests on imported cut flowers and foliage including thrips, aphids and mites. Of particular concern is the high number and frequency of thrips detected as many of these are quarantine pests for Australia. Thrips are the primary vectors of orthotospoviruses, many of which are also quarantine pests for Australia. The ongoing high number of live pests detected on imported cut flowers at the border poses a level of phytosanitary risk that exceeds Australia's appropriate level of protection. New biosecurity import conditions for imported fresh cut flowers and foliage were implemented on 1 March 2018 (see SPS notifications G/SPS/N/AUS/435 and G/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1). The draft report confirms that these changes are necessary to protect Australia's plant producers and the natural environment from exotic pests. The risk analysis is being conducted in two parts: (i) an assessment of the three major arthropod pest groups - thrips, aphids and mites; and (ii) an assessment of other arthropod pests. Part 1 of the draft report includes: Summary Introduction Commercial trade and production Cut flower and foliage pathway Previous import…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)

  9. AddendumG/SPS/N/AUS/435/Add.1

    Comment deadline: Closed on 12 November 2017

    Importing fresh cut flowers and foliage into Australia safely

    Australia has delayed implementation of the new conditions for importing fresh cut flowers and foliage into Australia to 1 March 2018 to allow the National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs), exporters and importers sufficient time to transition to the new conditions. Australia will continue to accept consignments under current import conditions during the transition to the new measures, which will run from 1 November 2017 to 28 February 2018. In preparation for the commencement of the new conditions on 1 March 2018, Australia will exempt consignments from the mandatory onshore fumigation if they are treated prior to export to Australia or are produced under an NPPO approved systems approach. Details of pre-shipment treatment(s) must be provided on a treatment certificate or phytosanitary certificate. Consignments produced under a systems approach must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate with the relevant additional declaration. All consignments will be inspected on arrival to confirm that they meet Australia's import requirements, including the absence of quarantine pests. If live quarantine pests are detected the consignment will be directed for remedial treatment. Imports into Australia will be closely monitored during the transition period for freedom from quarantine pests and details of non-compliance will be provided to trading partners to allow them to apply corrective actions for subsequent importation and in preparation for the commencement of the new…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)Notified document (opens in a new tab)

  10. Regular notificationG/SPS/N/AUS/435

    Comment deadline: Closed on 13 November 2017

    Importing fresh cut flowers and foliage into Australia safely

    As part of the ongoing systematic review of Australia's import conditions, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has reviewed the import conditions for cut flower and foliage imports from all countries. The analysis of interception data undertaken as part of the review indicates a high detection rate of invertebrate pests on imported cut flowers and foliage including thrips, aphids and mites. Of particular concern is the high number and frequency of thrips detected as many of these are quarantine pests for Australia. Thrips are the primary vectors of tospoviruses, many of which are also quarantine pests for Australia. The ongoing high number of live pests detected on imported cut flowers poses a level of phytosanitary risk that exceeds Australia's appropriate level of protection. In view of this, the department is amending import conditions for cut flowers and foliage exported to Australia to require that consignments are accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate verifying that they are free of live quarantine pests. The amended conditions will also require goods to be shipped in insect-proof packaging and labelled with the scientific name of the plant species. Certain species will require a devitalisation treatment to prevent propagation. The following phytosanitary measures may be applied to ensure absence of quarantine pests to achieve the required phytosanitary status: Produced and prepared for export under an NPPO-approved systems approach…

    Open on WTO ePing (opens in a new tab)Official WTO document (opens in a new tab)Notified document (opens in a new tab)

Sources

Expodite writes its summary from the official record. The notification and the documents it notifies are on the WTO's own websites.

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