Import Conditions Database - ICON

Notice to AQIS Staff and Seed Importers:

Importation of seeds not listed on Schedule 5 of the Quarantine Proclamation 1998.

AQIS regulates the import of seeds into Australia through Schedule 5 of the Quarantine Proclamation 1998. This schedule is commonly referred to as the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ and contains a list of all seed species that have been assessed as permitted entry into Australia without requiring an Import Permit.

Each species on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’, and species that have been assessed as posing a weed or quarantine risk are entered onto AQIS’s Import Conditions Database (ICON) by botanical name.

Species not listed on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ and ICON are prohibited entry and may only be imported under an Import Permit and will require an assessment to determine their weed and quarantine risk. An Import Permit must be obtained prior to importation.

To view those species listed in Schedule 5, go to the ComLaw website at: ComLaw Legislative Instrument Compilations - Quarantine Proclamation 1998.

Importer’s are advised, that before importing any seed into Australia, to check ICON to determine if the species they wish to import is permitted entry into Australia and the conditions under which it can be imported.

Effective 3 September 2007, any seed not listed on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ that is imported without a valid import permit will not be allowed entry into Australia, and must be either re-exported or destroyed.

For further information please contact AQIS Plant Programs, Canberra:

phone: 02 6272 3713
email: plantquar@aqis.gov.au

	The information here covers AQIS quarantine requirements only and is current on the date of transmission but may change without notice. AQIS makes no warranties or representations with respect to the accuracy or completeness of that information and will bear no liability with respect to that information. Importers must satisfy quarantine concerns and comply with quarantine conditions applicable at the time of entry. The Commonwealth through AQIS is not liable for any costs arising from or associated with decisions of importers to import based on conditions presented here which are not current at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information at the time of importation. It is the importer’s responsibility to identify and to ensure it has complied with, all requirements of any other regulatory and advisory bodies prior to and after importation including the Australian Customs Service, Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health and Ageing, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority and any State agencies such as Departments of Agriculture and Health and Environmental Protection authorities. Importers should note that this list is not exhaustive. Importers should also note that all foods imported into Australia must comply with the provisions of the Imported Food Control Act 1992 , an Act which is administered by AQIS. Notification of the import must be provided to AQIS for all imported goods other than goods imported as accompanied baggage or goods imported via the mail and not prescribed under the Customs Act 1901. Notification must be consistent with Quarantine Regulations 2000 (examples include a Quarantine Entry or a Quarantine declaration).

	Public Quarantine Alert PQA0520

	Notice to AQIS Staff and Seed Importers: *Importation of seeds not listed on Schedule 5 of the Quarantine Proclamation 1998.* AQIS regulates the import of seeds into Australia through Schedule 5 of the Quarantine Proclamation 1998. This schedule is commonly referred to as the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ and contains a list of all seed species that have been assessed as permitted entry into Australia without requiring an Import Permit. Each species on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’, and species that have been assessed as posing a weed or quarantine risk are entered onto AQIS’s Import Conditions Database (ICON) by botanical name. Species not listed on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ and ICON are prohibited entry and may only be imported under an Import Permit and will require an assessment to determine their weed and quarantine risk. An Import Permit must be obtained prior to importation. To view those species listed in Schedule 5, go to the ComLaw website at: ComLaw Legislative Instrument Compilations - Quarantine Proclamation 1998. Importer’s are advised, that before importing any seed into Australia, to check ICON to determine if the species they wish to import is permitted entry into Australia and the conditions under which it can be imported. Effective 3 September 2007, any seed not listed on the ‘Permitted Seeds List’ that is imported without a valid import permit will not be allowed entry into Australia, and must be either re-exported or destroyed. For further information please contact AQIS Plant Programs, Canberra: phone: 02 6272 3713 email: plantquar@aqis.gov.au