16 February 2024
Who does this notice affect?
Airlines, aircraft operators and their contracted services (third parties) performing or certifying disinsection treatments applied to aircraft cabin and hold for aircraft arriving in Australia and New Zealand.
What has changed?
Airlines and aircraft operators should be aware that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) will be publishing a revised Schedule of Aircraft Disinsection Procedures for Aircraft Arriving in Australia and New Zealand (version 5.3) following changes published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 23 November 2023.
A separate notice (IIAN) will be issued to confirm the release of the revised Schedule (version 5.3) and its commencement.
This change aligns the Schedule (through proposed version 5.3) with, and gives effect to, updated World Health Organization (WHO) Aircraft Disinsection Methods and Procedures - 2nd Edition recommendations. The WHO 2nd Edition establishes higher aircraft hold/cargo area disinsection rates, as previously required under version 5.2 of the Schedule. The WHO rates will replace the current DAFF‑published spray rates.
In advance of the revised Schedule being published, airlines and aircraft operators should familiarise themselves with the WHO (2nd Edition) publication, particularly cabin and hold aerosol disinsection rates (Annex 3), noting these are expected to apply to flights arriving on or after 23 February 2024.
Aircraft and airline operators should:
- Review the WHO aircraft disinsection method and procedures 2nd Edition – Annex 3 aerosol disinsection rates for aircraft cabin and holds for any changes to current rates applicable to your aircraft.
- Action any changes to the required minimum spray rates for the aircraft type(s) operated within your fleet, including with disinsection applicators.
- Update your airline’s “Procedures for Disinsection” to reflect any required changes – for reference by disinsection applicators.
Please note DAFF will be withdrawing the published specific aircraft hold disinsection rates and the “Spray Rate Calculator” from the website. These DAFF web links will then reference:
- WHO 2nd Edition for the Annex 3 aircraft disinsection minimum rates (cabin and hold) and
- WHO “Spray Rate Calculator” within the WHO 2nd Edition document.
Stakeholders are encouraged to check the DAFF website Aircraft disinsection for further information over the coming week, including relevant web content updates, the upcoming publication of a new Schedule (version 5.3) and the DAFF Import Industry Notice (IIAN) web page for relevant updates.
Further information
For additional information please contact arrivals@aff.gov.au.