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NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) industry advice

Background

Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) was first detected in Western Australia in August 2021, prompting a nationally coordinated eradication effort. Despite extensive surveillance and containment measures, the National Management Group determined in June 2025 that eradication was not technically feasible. WA has now entered an 18-month Transition to Management (T2M) phase, focused on containment and long-term management strategies.

NSW remains free of PSHB and continues to enforce strict market access controls to prevent its entry.

Current market access requirements

Under the Biosecurity (Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer) Control Order 2023, the following rules apply:

  • Prohibited Entry: Wood, plant material, mulch, and other potential carriers of PSHB must not enter NSW from affected areas unless:
    • Accompanied by a Plant Health Certificate, or
    • Sourced from an area with an Area Freedom Certificate.
  • Reporting: Suspected sightings of PSHB must be reported immediately to:

Ongoing updates

WA is currently in a Transition to Management phase following the decision that PSHB is not eradicable. NSW will continue to monitor developments and negotiate on market access arrangements as needed. Any developments will be included on this webpage.

Complete the PSHB stakeholder survey

NSW’s primary goal is to remain free of polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB). To preserve market confidence, enable timely decision-making, and safeguard the resilience of our industry, it is essential that we engage with stakeholders on less favourable scenarios—such as potential detection or establishment.

Early input from industry ensures that NSW is equipped with the intelligence needed to respond strategically and maintain continuity in trade and market access.

NSW has developed a stakeholder survey under SIGMA NSW to capture stakeholder insights for consideration in evolving market access situations.

Your input will help inform NSW’s market access planning under a range of possible scenarios. We invite individuals or businesses involved in PSHB host production, processing, trade, or related supply chain activities to complete this survey. Your feedback will help ensure that NSW’s response considers industry perspectives, business realities, and trade considerations. Participation is voluntary, but early engagement will help shape future communication, planning, and decision-making efforts.

More information