To export plant products, you need to meet the phytosanitary (plant health) requirements of your overseas market. This article clarifies the role of AsureQuality's Seed Laboratory in supporting this process.
Phytosanitary Decision Making
Decisions relating to the phytosanitary eligibility of products for export markets must be made exclusively by competent staff within a Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)‑approved organisation (MAO) or an Independent Verification Agency (IVA). These responsibilities are defined in MPI Plant Export standards, including Organisation Requirements, Phytosanitary Inspection, and Phytosanitary Certificates.
Role of Seed Laboratories
AsureQuality's Seed Laboratory issues ISTA Orange International Certificates (OICs) and seed analysis certificates that report essential analytical information such as purity, germination, other seed determination (OSD) and inert matter. Inert matter, e.g. ergot, sclerotia, soil or animal droppings, is reported and supports phytosanitary decision-making. These analytical results must be used by MAO or IVA phytosanitary decision makers as part of their assessment of compliance with importing countries’ phytosanitary requirements.
While our reports support the decision‑making process, our Seed Laboratory does not make phytosanitary decisions, determine market eligibility, or assume responsibility for regulatory outcomes.
Guidance on Contaminants
During testing, our laboratory may provide general guidance regarding contaminants detected in seed analyses, including whether a contaminant is listed as a quarantine pest in certain markets. This information is intended solely to assist your logistical planning and should not be interpreted as a phytosanitary determination. All final decisions regarding phytosanitary status and required actions rest exclusively with MAO or IVA personnel.
Market Access Guidance
Our laboratory does not provide market access advice for seed lines that have already been tested. For example, if you contact us to ask whether a particular seed lot is eligible for export to a specific country, we are unable to provide that determination. This assessment must be completed by an MAO or IVA.
AsureQuality IVA services
For AsureQuality support with an IVA decision, please request a desktop inspection from the IVA team via Inspect@asurequality.com.