​Biosecurity Tasmania (BT) has developed new import requirements for the fruit of primary host plants of Intonsa flower thrips (Frankliniella intonsa), also known as Eurasian flower thrips.

These requirements will take effect from 12:01 am on 2 November 2026. A Group Permit is available on the NRE Tas website.

From this date, importers of capsicum, strawberry, peach, raspberry, blackberry, and tomato fruit must ensure that all consignments entering Tasmania comply with the conditions specified in the Group Permit.

Biosecurity Tasmania will undertake targeted compliance and monitoring activities to verify compliance with the Group Permit requirements.

Background

Intonsa flower thrips (Frankliniella intonsa) were first detected in Australia in the Caboolture region of south-east Queensland in April 2026. More recently, it has been detected on multiple geographically separated commercial berry properties within the region. The pest is spread primarily through the movement of infested host material.

Intonsa flower thrips is a globally significant plant pest with a broad host range. Major hosts grown in Tasmania include asparagus, beans, berry fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries), capsicum, chrysanthemum, lucerne, peaches, peas and tomato. The pest damages plants through feeding and egg-laying activities, causing scarring, fruit distortion, reduced fruit quality and yield loss as well as vectoring several plant viruses of economic significance.

Intonsa flower thrips have been nationally determined to be not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia. They have not been detected in Tasmania.

A Rapid Pest Risk Analysis completed by Biosecurity Tasmania recommended import requirements for primary host material to reduce the risk of entry and establishment of the pest in Tasmania. Biosecurity Tasmania is therefore implementing initial import requirements, specified in the Group Permit.

Additional host commodities, including vegetable and cut flower hosts, may be added to the Group Permit following further risk assessment and consideration of appropriate risk management measures.

More information
TASMANIA Intonsa flower thrip webpage