G/SPS/N/AUS/469/Add.1  
 
2 April 2019  
(19-2058) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on 29 March 2019 , is being circulated at the request of the 
Delegation of Australia . 
 
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Implementation of Phase 3 emergency measures for imported tomato and capsicum seeds to mitigate 
the biosecurity risk posed by Tomato brown rugose fruit virus  (ToBRFV)  
As notified on 28 February 2019 (G/SPS/N/AUS/469), Phase 1 conditions of the emergency m easures 
will expire at midnight 31 March 2019. Phase 3 of the emergency measures (PCR testing) will now be 
implemented effective 1 April 2019.  
To facilitate an orderly transition to Phase 3, Phase 2 (ELISA) and Phase 3 (PCR) conditions will be 
permitted to  run concurrently from 1 April to midnight preceding 15 April 2019. The concurrent 
operation of Phase 2 (ELISA) and Phase 3 (PCR) conditions will cease at midnight preceding 15 April 
2019, at which time ONLY seed lots that are tested under Phase 3 (PCR) co nditions will be permitted 
entry into Australia.  
Phase 2 conditions (interim, effective from 1 April 2019 to midnight preceding 15 April 2019):  
− Testing - mandatory off -shore or on -shore testing by ELISA on a sample size of 20,000  seeds (or 
20 per cent for small seed lots) using an existing commercially available kit (AGDIA -TMV OR 
Prime Diagnostics -ToMV) to verify freedom from ToBRFV; AND  
− Certification - Seed lots tested off -shore must be accompanied by an official government 
Phytosanitary Certificate endor sed with the following additional declaration: 'The consignment of 
[botanical name  (s) (Genus species )] comprises [ insert number of tomato/capsicum seed lots ] 
seed lot(s); for each seed lot, seeds were tested by ELISA [ insert laboratory name(s) and report 
number(s) ] on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free 
from Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).'  
Phase 3 conditions (ongoing, effective 1 April 2019):  
− Testing - Mandatory off -shore or on -shore testing by a PCR method approved by the department 
on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent for small seed lots) to verify freedom from 
ToBRFV; AND  
− Certification - Seed lots tested off -shore must be accompanied by an official government 
Phytosanitary Certificate e ndorsed with the following additional declaration: 'The consignment of 
[botanical name  (s) (Genus species )] comprises [ insert number of tomato/capsicum seed lots ] 
seed lot(s); for each seed lot, seeds were tested by PCR [ insert laboratory name(s) and report 
number(s) ] on a sample size of 20,000 seeds (or 20 per cent of small seed lots) and found free 
from Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).'  G/SPS/N/AUS/469/Add.1  
 
- 2 - 
 
  Optional (for each phase): For consignments that do not have the specific additional phytosanitary 
declara tions but have laboratory testing reports:  
The consignment must be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate that links to, and is 
accompanied by, a laboratory report. The botanical name and lot number(s) must be presented on 
the Phytosanitary Certificate . The laboratory report must state:  
a) The seed species tested;  
b) That a 20,000 seed sample was tested and the test type used;  
c) The test result confirming freedom from ToBRFV;  
d) The lot number(s), which must match the phytosanitary certificate;  
e) The date of testing ; 
f) The laboratory name and address.  
Details of the department -approved PCR test are available on the department's website: 
http://www.agriculture.gov.au/import/goods/plant -products/seeds -for-sowing/emergency -
measures -tobrfv . Other PCR protocols will be considered where evidence of efficacy of the test is 
provided, on a case -by-case basis.  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ ] Modification of final date for comments  
[ ] Modification of content and/or scope of previously notified regulation  
[ ] Withdrawal of regulation  
[X] Change in period of application of measure  
[ ] Other:   
Agency or authority designated to handle comment s: [ ] National Notification Authority, 
[ ] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other 
body:  
  
Text(s) available from: [X]  National Notification Authority, [X] National Enquiry Point. 
Address, fax number and e-mail address (if available) of other body:  
The Australian SPS Notification Authority  
GPO Box 858  
Canberra ACT   2601 
Australia  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au  
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