24 August 2021
Who does this notice affect?
Importers of high-risk plant products and other stakeholders in the import and shipping industries – including vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal shipping agents, and any other operators in the sea container supply and logistics chain.
What has changed?
Phase 3 of the khapra beetle urgent actions will commence on 30 September 2021. Under this phase, high-risk plant products from khapra beetle target risk countries must be treated offshore using either methyl bromide fumigation, heat treatment or controlled atmosphere treatment.
To assist in preparing stakeholders for these changes we have updated our Phase 3 web page to include additional information on the controlled atmosphere treatment option.
To ensure the controlled atmosphere treatment is practical and fit for purpose, we are releasing a draft methodology for public consultation.
We recognise the commencement date of 30 September 2021 is fast approaching and the importance of providing you with the final version of the methodology so that it can be incorporated into your supply chain. As such, we are requesting that you review the draft methodology and provide any feedback to Offshoretreatments@aff.gov.au by COB 12 September 2021.
All feedback received will be considered in the development of the final version of the methodology. We expect to publish the final version of the methodology on 16 September 2021.
Whilst we are releasing a draft of the Controlled Atmosphere Treatment Methodology for a public consultation period, we will also consider feedback from stakeholders at any time, even after the methodology is finalised.
Further information
For questions and information related directly to offshore khapra beetle treatments, please email offshoretreatments@aff.gov.au.
All other enquiries regarding these measures, please phone 1800 900 090 or email imports@awe.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with ‘Plant Tier 2 – khapra urgent actions’).