13 January 2021
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), exporters and importers (and their customs brokers) of fresh leaves and fresh taro exported from Fiji.
What has changed?
Fresh leaves and fresh taro certified for export on or after 1 February 2021, will require mandatory pre- shipment methyl bromide fumigation. Fumigation must be conducted by an approved treatment provider and in accordance with the Australian Methyl bromide fumigation methodology and Guide to performing (Quarantine and pre-shipment) QPS fumigation with methyl bromide. The goods will require evidence on accompanying phytosanitary certificates that they have been fumigated using an approved schedule.
The Department will require mandatory pre- shipment methyl bromide fumigation for the following fresh produce from Fiji:
- Betel and Paan leaves
- Bael leaves, Cassava leaves, Amaranth (Charooya bhaji) leaves, Drumstick tree leaves, Island Cabbage, Pandanus leaves, Roselle leaves, Taro leaves
- White Taro and Giant taro
Fresh leaves:
The rate of 32 g/m³ for two hours at commodity 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 White and Giant taro:
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.
Consignments certified on or after 1 February 2021 and found not to have been fumigated at the correct rate prior to export will be exported or destroyed.
Further information
If you have questions or need further information, you can contact our Import Services team on:
• Email at imports
• Phone (from within Australia): 1800 900 090
• Phone (from outside Australia): + 61 3 8318 6700