Market access
All states have biosecurity controls in place to prevent the spread of ToBRFV.
Most growers in SA who are ToBRFV-free or not linked to properties where ToBRFV was detected are able to export their produce to states that do not have any restrictions on accepting exports from South Australia.
Some states require growers in SA to follow sampling and certification protocols before exporting to their states.
Export requirements
| Export requirements in Australia | |
|---|---|
| State | Restrictions |
| Western Australia | Plant health certificate required for at-risk produce |
| New South Wales | No at-risk produce from infected properties |
| Tasmania | No at-risk produce from infected properties |
| Other states and territories | No restrictions |
Western Australia
Tomato, capsicum and chilli growers must prove that their product is ToBRFV-free through the following sampling method and certification process managed by PIRSA.
The WA conditions specify that crops must be:
- sampled no more than 10 days prior to harvest and return a 'not detected' result for ToBRFV
- certified by a PIRSA Plant Health Inspector for each consignment of produce confirming it is ToBRFV-free.
See details about intent to export produce below.
New South Wales
On 17 September 2024, New South Wales put in place a control order which prevents the movement of risk items, including tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, into NSW from infected properties.
Restrictions, including testing and surveillance, are required from properties that are linked to infested properties. Unlinked properties can continue to trade as normal.
Learn more about NSW's control order, and read an explanation guide.
Tasmania
On 1 October 2024, Tasmania put in place a control order which prevents the movement of risk items, including tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, into Tasmania from infected properties.
Restrictions, including testing and surveillance, are required from properties that are linked to properties where ToBRFV was detected. Unlinked properties can continue to trade as normal.
Learn more about Tasmania's control order.
Other states and territories
While other states and territories have biosecurity controls in place to prevent the spread of ToBRFV, the majority of growers in SA who are virus free or not linked to infected properties have been able to export their produce to these states.
International exports
- Temporary suspension of Australian tomato exports to New Zealand
- Suspension of exports of capsicums, chillies and tomatoes to New Caledonia were lifted on 24 December 2024
Email horticultureexports@aff.gov.au with any questions relating to the international export of capsicums, chillies, and tomatoes.
Exporting produce to WA
To transport fruit of tomatoes, capsicum and chilli from South Australia, each consignment must be accompanied by an Interstate Plant Health Certificate (PHC) issued by a PIRSA Plant Health Inspector.
The PHC is to certify that ToBRFV host plant carriers – tomato, capsicum and chilli fruit or seed – were grown on, or sourced and packed on, a property that is free from ToBRFV.
To get your PHC, you need to think about:
- when you want to harvest – PIRSA has to sample your crop during the 10 days before harvest
- when you want us to sample your crop – PIRSA needs your ‘expression of intent’ form at least 5 days before sampling.
Process for getting a Plant Health Certificate
- At least 5 days before you want PIRSA to sample your crop to gain access to Western Australia, download and complete the Intent to Export form ( ) or version for Word ( ).
- Email the completed form to PIRSA.TomatoMarketAccess@sa.gov.au. Help is available to support you in this process – please call 1800 182 838
- A PIRSA staff member will contact you to arrange sampling from your crop, no more than 10 days before harvest of the first fruit from that crop. PIRSA will send your samples to approved laboratories for testing. You will not have to pay anything for these tests.
- While you wait for your test results you can start your harvest, and you can export to markets other than WA without needing certification. Any crop you plan to export to WA must be kept separate.
- A PIRSA staff member will contact you about your test result. If your test result indicates that ToBRFV is 'not detected', PIRSA’s ToBRFV Response Market Access team will arrange a Plant Health Certificate (PHC). Each consignment needs an individual PHC, even if multiple consignments are being transported.
- A PIRSA Plant Health Inspector will visit your facility to certify that any consignments you intend to export meet the required standards. They will issue you with a PHC which you should send with your consignment to WA.
Exporting produce to Queensland
South Australia has declared Area Freedom for ToBRFV, confirming the pest is no longer present in the State. Queensland recognises SA's declaration, meaning testing and consignment-level plant health certificates aren't needed for host fruit consigned to Queensland.
An Area Freedom Certificate for ToBRFV host material must accompany consignments exported to Queensland, however. Queensland’s movement control order also has general provisions for consignments you should follow.
Request a copy of the of the Area Freedom Certificate by emailing the Plant Health Market Access team.
Market access enquiries
Phone (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm): 1800 182 838
Email: PIRSA.TomatoMarketAccess@sa.gov.au