The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Primary Industries has issued a Group Biosecurity Permit to allow Victorian businesses accredited under Part A of an Interstate Certification Assurance (ICA) arrangement to continue consigning produce to a NSW Part B ICA accredited business under a declaration.
Current situation
NSW’s new Biosecurity Act 2015 commenced on 01 July 2017. The Act no longer makes provisions for the acceptance or issuance of ICA declarations by NSW accredited businesses. Instead Plant Health Assurance Certificates were required.
These changes prompted discussion between NSW and Victoria and have resulted in the issuance of a Group Biosecurity Permit by NSW. By issuing a Group Biosecurity Permit, trade can continue as normal between NSW and Victoria.
ICA accredited businesses do not need to do anything in addition to the requirements of their existing ICA accreditation to comply with these requirements.
Victorian ICA Part A Accredited Businesses Consigning to NSW
The NSW Biosecurity Group Permit allows for a Victorian Part A accredited business to continue to consign produce to a NSW Part B accredited business on a declaration issued in accordance with their accreditation.
Please note: this has no impact on Victorian intrastate movement of produce. Accredited businesses need only comply with the requirements of their operational procedure.
Victorian ICA Part B Accredited businesses Receiving From NSW
Victorian Part B accredited businesses who receive produce from a NSW Part A accredited business will no longer receive consignments with a declaration. NSW Part A accredited businesses will now issue a Plant Health Assurance Certificate (PHAC) for this movement.
Please note: this has no impact on Victorian intrastate movement of produce. Accredited businesses need only comply with the requirements of their operational procedure.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For more information, please contact your local Agriculture Victoria Plant Standards Officer by telephone on 136 186 or email:
A copy of the NSW Biosecurity Group Permit is available at
This document is also available at: