Page Content
Determination on type of process for Allium IRA
Letter as sent to stakeholders on 2 July 1999
DG44 98/3303
Dear Stakeholder
IMPORT RISK ANALYSIS - ALLIUM SPECIES
The purpose of this letter is to advise you of the outcome of the first round of consultation on the import risk analysis (IRA) for Allium species (onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives and related plants), including ornamentals, from the major production areas worldwide for all end uses (consumption, fresh or dried, processing, bulbs and seeds for planting).
Our letter of 19 April 1999 invited all stakeholders to comment on the type of risk analysis process to be followed in this instance. After careful consideration of all comments received AQIS has decided to proceed with the IRA using the routine process. This decision is based on the consideration that, as this proposal is primarily a review of existing import protocols, it is considered to be technically less complex and not requiring assessment of significantly greater or different risks than other proposals which AQIS has previously considered.
AQIS will now form an in-house team of scientists with expertise relevant to this particular IRA. The team will conduct the routine IRA using procedures based on international standards. The steps of the routine process are outlined in the AQIS Import Risk Analysis Process Handbook, which has been distributed to stakeholders. During this process, AQIS will seek input from stakeholders and external technical experts if this proves necessary.
The draft IRA is expected to be released in December 1999. You will be informed if there are any significant variations to this timeframe.
If you wish to suggest inclusion of an additional stakeholder in our distribution list for this IRA, or if you wish to be removed from the distribution list, please provide details to the Import Risk Analysis Secretariat at the following address:
Import Risk Analysis Secretariat
Plant Quarantine Policy Branch
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Tel: +61 2 6272 5094
Fax: +61 2 6272 3307
Email: Plant biosecurity
Information on all IRAs the Plant Quarantine Policy Branch is currently conducting is available on the AQIS Homepage.
AQIS expresses its appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this consultation phase.
Yours sincerely
Digby Gascoine
Director
Policy and International Division
2 July 1999