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New import rules to stop invasive beetle

Liv CasbenAAP
The highly invasive khapra beetle destroys grain quality and can contaminate stored products.
Camera IconThe highly invasive khapra beetle destroys grain quality and can contaminate stored products. Credit: AAP

Additional import rules have been introduced in Australia to stop the highly invasive khapra beetle coming to our shores.

The new rules will see increased regulation around high-risk imported plant products as well as sea containers.

There will also be new requirements for other high-risk plant products and seeds for sowing.

The move follows a recent increase in interceptions of the hitchhiker pest in sea containers.

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The Department of Agriculture’s head of biosecurity and compliance Andrew Tongue says the changes will impact commercial importers as well as the general public.

“If you are bringing nuts or seeds into Australia via the mail or as an international traveller, you will need a plant health certificate,” he said.

“These plant products and seeds must now be inspected offshore by a government official of the exporting country and be certified .... as being free from any species of Trogoderma (dead, alive or exuviae),” he added, referring to the khapra beetle.

Mr Tongue says an outbreak of khapra could cost Australia $15.5 billion over 20 years.

“Khapra beetle destroys grain quality making it unfit for human or animal consumption. It also poses a human health risk when stored products become contaminated with khapra beetle.”

Products imported via international mail and other pathways that fail to meet the requirements will be immediately destroyed or exported.

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