Reminder: Check the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) and your import permit conditions (if relevant) to determine all import requirements prior to importing, and to confirm that offshore Ethylene Oxide (ETO) treatment is an acceptable treatment option for your commodity.
ETO is widely used as a sterilising agent for many products. In Australia, this fumigant is not accepted as a treatment for foodstuffs. For more information please refer to the Food Standard Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) website.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulate ethylene oxide residues and may limit use on commodities that have direct contact with human skin. For information to determine if this treatment option is available for the commodity of import refer to the APVMA website.
The department uses ETO as a devitalisation treatment for restricted seeds. The department also uses ETO as an insecticidal treatment for imported timber articles and some agricultural products which are packaged in materials considered impervious to methyl bromide gas.
ETO is phytotoxic to many plants, fresh fruits and vegetables and should not be used to fumigate these goods.
The department currently accepts certification from the approved offshore ETO treatment providers listed at the following link: