26 October 2020
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to importers (and their customs brokers) of fresh leaves for human consumption and fresh root vegetables from Fiji.
What has changed?
Due to unacceptably high pest interceptions, the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) will require mandatory pre- shipment methyl bromide fumigation, from 18 January 2021, for the following fresh produce from Fiji:
- Drumstick leaves, Betel leaves, Taro leaves, Cassava leaves, Bael leaves, Rosella leaves
- Taro
- Cassava tubers
- Swede turnip or turnip
- Yam
Produce listed above, arriving into Australian Territory from 18 January 2021, will require evidence on accompanying phytosanitary certificate that verifies the goods have been fumigated using an approved schedule. Goods arriving without the appropriate pre-shipment fumigation and phytosanitary declarations will be offered export or disposal.
Fresh leaves:
The rate of 32 g/m³ for two hours at pulp temperatures of 21°C or above, or equivalent compensated dose.
The following schedules may be used:
| Temperature | Minimum initial dose | Exposure period |
|---|---|---|
| 21°C or above | 32 g/m³ | 2 hours |
| 16°C to 20.9 °C | 40 g/m³ | 2 hours |
| 11°C to 15.9 °C | 48 g/m³ | 2 hours |
| 10°C to 10.9 °C | 56 g/m³ | 2 hours |
Fresh root vegetables:
The rate of 32 g/m³ for three hours at pulp temperatures of 21°C or above, or equivalent compensated dose.
The following schedules may be used:
| Temperature | Minimum initial dose | Exposure period |
|---|---|---|
| 21°C or above | 32 g/m³ | 3 hours |
| 16°C to 20.9 °C | 40 g/m³ | 3 hours |
| 11°C to 15.9 °C | 48 g/m³ | 3 hours |
| 10°C to 10.9 °C | 56 g/m³ | 3 hours |
The Department does not allow dosage compensation where the ambient temperature is above 21 °C or below 10 °C.
Further information
For additional information you can email Plant Import Operations Branch at Imports or phone 1800 900 090.