04 April 2025
Purpose
This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to provide information to treatment providers, exporters and authorised officers (AOs) on the planned update to the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology and upcoming information sessions.
Summary of changes and key points
- The Methyl bromide fumigation methodology (version 3.0) will come into force from 1 May 2025. Please note that where export methyl bromide fumigation requirements published in export instructional material and/or Micor differ from the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology, export requirements take priority.
- The Performance standards – methyl bromide fumigation – horticulture exports will be updated and published on the Plant Export Operations Manual (PEOM) on 1 May 2025 in conjunction with the new methodology.
- We are holding several information sessions outlining important information for the methodology and other biosecurity fumigation treatments.
- The agenda will cover the following:
- version 3.0 of the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology
- changes to class conditions for 4.6 and 12.1 approved arrangements (fumigation and methyl bromide fumigation to mitigate biosecurity risks associated with imported goods and packaging). For more information on imported goods fumigation refer to import industry advice notice 93-2025.
- Ethyl formate fumigation methodology development
- review of the Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation methodology
- next-generation fumigation monitoring technology.
| Location | Date | Time (AEST) | Register by (AEST): | Registration |
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| Melbourne | ||||
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| Brisbane | ||||
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| Perth | ||||
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| Adelaide | ||||
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Background
On 23 January 2023, we invited industry consultation and feedback on the Methyl bromide fumigation methodology in IAN 2023-03.
On August 5 2024, we published an advanced copy of the updated Methyl bromide fumigation methodology (version 3.0), after a comprehensive review period and significant feedback from stakeholders.
On 19 August 2024, we notified stakeholders of the publication of the completed review of the methodology and Guides for quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) treatments (the guides) in IAN 2024-53.
The Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology is an internationally recognised standard for the application of methyl bromide. Members of the International Cargo Cooperative Biosecurity Arrangement have endorsed the methodology, harmonising treatment requirements internationally.
The update removed ambiguous language, simplified wording and clarified requirements. This assists treatment providers to meet requirements and assures us that fumigations are applied correctly.
Contact information
If you have any questions regarding fumigating horticulture for export, please email Horticulture Exports Program.
For questions or feedback on the methodology or guides, or information sessions, please email Offshore Treatments.
Jemma Martin
Assistant Secretary
Plant Exports Branch