08 November 2024
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries
What has changed?
The Department is currently assessing the suitability of two new fumigants for use as department approved treatments. These fumigants are promising alternatives to the widely used fumigant, Methyl Bromide.
Ethanedinitrile is being assessed for the treatment of arthropod pests associated with de-barked timber and logs of Pinus radiata and Pseudotsuga menziesii from New Zealand.
Ethyl formate in mixture with carbon dioxide is being assessed for the treatment of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) on import pathways.
Establishment of these fumigants will be phased, commencing with offshore use (as a pre-arrival treatment) followed by onshore use. Each phase requires assessment and consideration. Our assessment is considering the:
- efficacy of the fumigants against key target pests
- work health and safety aspects of handling/inspecting treated goods
- systems and equipment required to deliver and monitor these fumigants
- development of appropriate fumigation methodologies for treatment providers to follow when applying these fumigants, including the process for registering treatment providers
- development of all other associated policy, importer conditions, and material to ensure a smooth transition to establishing these new fumigants
The Department will provide additional updates as the assessments are completed and when pertinent information is ready to be shared.
Please note: ethyl formate treatment will not be included on the approved BMSB treatment list for the 2024-2025 BMSB season.
Further information
For further information, please contact the department at plant.biosec@aff.gov.au.