DAFF - IFN 03-26: Changes to the inspection of imported melons

Date of effect: 02 March 2027

Attention

Importers of melons, and brokers acting on behalf of these importers.

Purpose

To advise of changes to the food safety import requirements for melons under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme. These changes will take effect from March 2027 pending registration of amendments to the Imported Food Control Order 2019 in March 2026.

Key points

• We are classifying melons as risk food in the Imported Food Control Order 2019.
• This applies to:
  • Whole melons that are fresh
  • Ready-to-eat melons that are either fresh or frozen
• From March 2027, a recognised food safety management certificate (FSMC) will be mandatory for the import of these melons.
• Every consignment will be checked for the validity of the FSMC.
• We will refer melons for testing (test applied: residue screen) at the rate of 5%. During inspection we will also conduct a visual and label assessment.
• FSMCs are third party certificates that provide evidence the food has been produced under a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) based food safety management system.
• For a FSMC to be recognised by the department, it must be issued by an accredited certification body that meets the criteria in our guidelines.
• Importers are being provided with 12 months' notice to allow time to source melons that can be covered by a compliant FSMC.

Instructions

• Check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) for the biosecurity import conditions and food safety requirements for melons.
• All biosecurity import conditions must be met before imported food safety requirements apply.
• Learn more about food safety management certificates. Take steps to ensure the melons you are importing meet the new certificate requirements before March 2027.
• Learn more about the requirements to import food into Australia and the rates of inspection under the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
• Find out more about lodging declarations and documentation for imported food.
• Learn more about why and how we make changes to the Imported Food Control Order 2019.

Subscribe for updates

Stay updated on changes to the requirements for imported food. Subscribe to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme Imported food notices.