Some seeds must be certified as meeting prescribed pest and/or disease freedom requirements
On arrival in Western Australia the seed must be accompanied by an original Plant Health Certificate issued by an inspector from the exporting State or Territory’s quarantine authority, or a person authorised under an approved quality assurance arrangement, verifying that the seed meets the prescribed pest and disease freedom requirements.
See summary of restricted seed types.
Seed must be free from pests and diseases of quarantine significance
All consignments are inspected on arrival.
Seed packaging and inspection requirements
1. Certified as inspected to ISTA standards:
As per current procedures, the exporting company supplies a Bulk Search Analysis certificate from an ISTA accredited laboratory and an inspection for pests, diseases, and soil will be conducted upon arrival (W01 inspection fees applies).
2. For retail packs of vegetable, fruit and ornamental seed 50 gm and under:
Document verification still be undertaken by a QWA inspector (i.e. Check species to ensure permitted on WAOL; W17 document inspection fee applies); Random physical inspections conducted upon arrival.
3. Seed lots less than or equal to 10 kg in weight OR seed lots containing seed greater than 8 mm in diameter (Pelleted and blended seed excluded):
Inspection upon arrival will be conducted without the need for a Bulk Search Analysis certificate (W01 inspection fee applies). If contamination is found, a sample will be drawn in accordance with ISTA procedures and submitted to a DPIRD approved seed purity testing laboratory. All costs charged to the importer.
Note: Seed blends and pelleted seeds are not able to be inspected for non-permitted seed contamination.
Seed must be presented to Quarantine WA on arrival
The prescribed inspection points are the first point of entry into WA. For further information please contact the Seeds Officer. The inspection involves ensuring the above requirements are met and that the consignment details match any certification.
Overseas import requirements
Seed imports from overseas must also meet the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry quarantine import requirements.
To contact the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry call 1800 900 090.
Email: waimports@agriculture.gov.au
Genetically modified seed - Quarantine WA import requirements still apply
Genetically modified seed that is sent from interstate sources into Western Australia still must be inspected by Quarantine WA inspectors to ensure that it meets legislated Western Australian import requirements.
Note: The Commonwealth Government Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, Transport Regulations for the movement of Genetically Modified Organisms and applicable licence conditions must be followed, when consigning genetically modified seed into Western Australia.
For further information visit their website ogtr.gov.au or telephone 1800 181 030.