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Determination on type of process for Citrus from South Africa
Letter as sent to stakeholder on 10 August 1998.
T98/604
10 August 1998
Dear Stakeholder
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 citrus from Florida, USA.
My letter of 28 April 1998 invited all stakeholders to comment on the type of risk analysis process to be followed with respect to citrus from Florida. All stakeholders who responded supported AQIS's proposal that the IRA for citrus from Florida be undertaken using the routine process. Two stakeholders provided comments on technical issues which will be the subject of consultation later in the process. For the benefit of newly-listed stakeholders, an outline of the routine process as it will apply from this point until completion is enclosed with this letter.
AQIS will now form an in-house team of scientists with expertise relevant to citrus to conduct the analysis. During this process, AQIS may seek input from stakeholders and external technical experts if this proves necessary.
Due to the large number of pests and diseases that need to be evaluated, we would expect the draft IRA paper to be released in May 1999. You will be kept informed if there are any significant delays or variations to the proposed timeframe.
AQIS expresses its appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to this consultation phase.
Yours sincerely
Digby Gascoine
Director
Policy and International Division
REMAINING STEPS IN THE ROUTINE IRA PROCESS
- Risk Analysis conducted by in-house risk analysis team.
- Draft IRA paper with recommendations published and comment invited on technical issues
AQIS circulates to stakeholders the draft IRA paper covering technical issues on disease and pest risk and management options, for comment within 60 days. AQIS also announces the release of the paper in the AQIS Bulletin, via the AQIS Homepage on the Internet and, in accordance with Australia's obligations as a member, to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to provide other countries with the opportunity to comment. - Comments reviewed and risk analysis recommendation finalised
After considering all technical issues, including comments received, the AQIS risk analysis team finalises the IRA recommendations. In exceptional circumstances, depending on the complexity of the proposal and the range of comment received (eg new or important information coming to light), there may be a need for more than one round of consultation. In this case, a revised draft is circulated for further comment before finalisation. - Risk analysis recommendations submitted to Executive Director of AQIS
The IRA recommendations are submitted to the Executive Director of AQIS for consideration. The AQIS risk analysis team is expected to present its recommendations on the basis of consensus. If consensus is not achievable, differences of view will be clearly identified. - Import proposal determined by Executive Director of AQIS
The Executive Director of AQIS considers the recommendations of the AQIS risk analysis team and makes a determination. The Executive Director may seek further advice from the AQIS risk analysis team to assist him in making a determination. If the risk analysis team does not provide consensus on the recommendations, the Executive Director will make a determination or decide upon other action as appropriate. The Executive Director must be satisfied that the IRA has been conducted in accordance with the agreed process, and that the determination on the proposal would maintain Australia's appropriate level of protection and otherwise accord with Australia's international rights and obligations under the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures. - Determination and final IRA paper published, and applicant and stakeholders advised The Executive Director's determination and the final IRA paper are published. AQIS advises the applicant and other stakeholders, and arranges notification in the AQIS Bulletin and via the AQIS Homepage on the Internet. If there are no appeals within 30 days from the date on which advice is sent to stakeholders, the policy is adopted.
- Appeal to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine on the process
Any stakeholder disagreeing with the process followed may appeal to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine. - Appeal considered by Import Risk Analysis Appeal Panel
An Import Risk Analysis Appeal Panel (IRAAP) considers the appeal and makes its decision within 45 days. The IRAAP routinely comprises the Chair of the Quarantine and Exports Advisory Council (QEAC) (Chair), the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine, either the Chief Plant Protection Officer (CPPO) or Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) (as appropriate) and one other member of QEAC. The QEAC Chair, in consultation with the Director, may nominate alternatives to the CPPO / CVO to participate as a member of an appeal panel where the CPPO / CVO have been directly involved in the management of a particular IRA process. - Appellant / applicant advised of outcome of appeal
If the appeal is upheld, the IRAAP refers its conclusions to the AQIS team for rectification of the deficiency in the process. If the appeal is rejected, the policy is adopted. AQIS advises the appellant, applicant and all stakeholders of the decision by the appeal panel. - Implementation of the Import Risk Analysis policy Once the IRA is complete, implementation of the policy can proceed. AQIS circulates any new or revised import conditions and notifies the WTO.