Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has finalized its report on biosecurity requirements for Vietnamese pomelo, allowing imports under strict pest control and phytosanitary protocols. The report, according to the Vietnam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point (SPS Vietnam), assessed the entire production chain from cultivation to transportation.
The DAFF identified 19 pests needing management measures, including the Asian citrus psyllid, Oriental fruit fly, scale insects, and spider mites. To meet Australia's biosecurity compliance, measures such as pest-free production areas, methyl bromide fumigation, and pre-export inspections are recommended. For citrus canker, a systems approach with integrated measures is required during production and post-harvest processes.
Notably, certain pests like spider mites and scale insects are quarantined in Western Australia, necessitating additional regulations for interstate transportation of pomelos. Following the report, Australia will verify Vietnam's implementation capabilities for phytosanitary measures. Upon completion, official import conditions will be published on Australia's Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON) system.
The report indicates progress in market access negotiations and highlights Vietnam's capacity in crop cultivation and plant protection to meet international biosecurity standards. The Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment notes that pomelo cultivation has doubled to over 100,000 hectares, yielding one million tons annually, primarily in the Mekong Delta, Red River Delta, and northern regions.
Source: Vietnam.net