Biosecurity update: Fresh blueberries added to Tasmania’s high-risk inspection program

20 October 2026

Pre-treatment inspections introduced for blueberries certified under ICA-04

Agriculture Victoria has been advised by Biosecurity Tasmania that fresh blueberries certified under ICA-04 have been added to Tasmania's high-risk inspection program, effective 21 October 2026.

The decision follows an increase in detections of Queensland fruit fly (QFF) larvae in blueberries arriving in Tasmania this season. While post-treatment monitoring has indicated that detected larvae subsequently die, Tasmania has advised that the frequency of detections suggests higher-than-normal QFF pressure in source production areas and an increased pathway risk.

The additional inspections are intended to provide further assurance of treatment effectiveness and monitor pathway performance during the current season.

What this means for businesses exporting blueberries under ICA-04

From 21 October 2026:

• Fresh blueberries will now be subject to the high-risk commodity pre-treatment inspection requirements specified in the ICA-04 Operational Procedure before fumigation.
• Pre-treatment inspections will be coordinated by the fumigation facility.
• A representative sample of 600 fruit must be inspected prior to fumigation treatment in accordance with the ICA-04 Operational Procedure.
• Businesses exporting blueberries to Tasmania should continue to proactively manage QFF and ensure fruit presented for treatment is of suitable quality.
• No changes have been made to the ICA-04 fumigation treatment requirement at this time.
• ICA-04 certification remains available for blueberries entering Tasmania.
• Tasmania will review the high-risk commodity status based on inspection outcomes and pathway performance.

Why are additional inspections being introduced?

Tasmania has advised that the decision to add blueberries to the high-risk inspection program is not a response to treatment failure. Rather, they are being implemented as a precautionary measure following an increase in larval detections, which may indicate elevated QFF populations in source production areas this season.

The inspections are intended to provide additional assurance that the ICA-04 pathway continues to operate effectively during periods of increased pest pressure.

Further information

For questions about this update or interstate market access requirements, please contact your regional plant biosecurity team by phone on 1800 878 962 or by email.

Northern Region Email: plant.quarantine@agriculture.vic.gov.au
South-East Region Email: plant.standards@agriculture.vic.gov.au
South-West Region Email: plant.southwest@agriculture.vic.gov.au

To obtain a copy of the Victorian ICA-04 Operational Procedure, please contact your regional plant biosecurity team.