28 February 2020
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to provide clarity to industry on the methyl bromide fumigation requirements for horticulture exports.
Summary of changes and key points
- Fumigation dose rate compensation is not allowed for horticulture exports unless specified by the importing country.
- Consignments must be fumigated at the concentration, time, temperature and chamber load specified by the importing country.
- The fumigation dose rates can be found in the relevant work plan, protocol and/or Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) case.
- Consignments where dose rate compensation has been applied will not be authorised unless rate compensation has been expressly permitted by the importing country.
Background
The department has received requests to consider fumigation dose rate compensation. This is because Section 5.2 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology allows for dose rate compensation in certain circumstances. However, the Purpose of the methodology sets out that the requirements of the importing country take precedence.
Fumigation dose rate compensation is not permitted for exports destined for protocol markets, as treatments approved by importing countries as part of protocol negotiations do not include the option of dose rate compensation.
Industry responsibilities
- Ensure fumigation dose rate compensation is not being used unless specified.
- Be aware that importing country requirements stated in protocols, work plans and MICoR take precedence over the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology.
AO responsibilities
- Check fumigation rates comply with the importing country requirements specified in the relevant protocols, work plans and in MICoR.
- Only commence horticulture inspections when all supporting documents provided meet the importing country requirements.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Horticulture Exports Program.
Rossana Carr
A/g Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch