Quarantine Regulators Meeting

• Australia - Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
• Argentina - National Food Safety and Quality Service
• Bahamas - Bahamas Agricultural Health and Food Safety Authority
• Brazil - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply and the Department of Plant Health and Agricultural Inputs
• Brunei - Department of Agriculture and Agri-food Brunei Darussalam
• Cambodia - Plant Protection Sanitary and Phytosanitary Department
• Chile - Agricultural and Livestock Service
• Colombia - Colombian Agricultural and Livestock Institute
• Ecuador - Agency for the Regulation and Control of Phytosanitary and Zoosanitary of Ecuador
• Fiji - Biosecurity Authority of Fiji
• France – Embassy of France in Australia
• Hong Kong - Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
• Indonesia - Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency
• Japan - Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
• Lao DPR - Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
• Malaysia - Department of Agriculture Plant Biosecurity Division Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry
• Mexico - National Service of Health, Food Safety and Quality
• Myanmar - Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation
• New Zealand - Ministry for Primary Industries
• OIRSA: International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (representing Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic)
• Paraguay - National Animal Quality and Health Service
• Peru - National Agrarian Health Service
• Philippines - Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry
• Singapore - National Parks Board
• Solomon Islands - Biosecurity Solomon Islands
• Spain - Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain
• Sri Lanka - National Plant Quarantine Service
• Taiwan - Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine
• Thailand - Thai Department of Agriculture
• USA - U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Uruguay - General Directorate of Agricultural Services
• Vietnam - Plant Protection Department of Vietnam

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Publication details

Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, 2021

This communique serves as a written record of the discussions and outcomes from the Quarantine Regulators Meeting.

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The 2021 Quarantine Regulators Meeting Communique

The 2021 Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM) was held on 18, 20, 25, 27 May and 3 June 2021. This was the third meeting under the three-year theme Advancing biosecurity systems through a success-oriented plan. The focus of the meeting was on managing systems and continuing improvement. The meeting, the twelfth of its kind and the first to be held virtually, was hosted by the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).

Each of the five QRM sessions was attended by approximately 160 delegates (800 total) representing over 30 biosecurity agencies, discussing a range of topics including emerging international biosecurity threats, biosecurity treatment assurance systems, alternative treatments, detector dogs and biosecurity innovation.

Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, Secretary, DAWE opened the meeting. Mr Metcalfe remarked on the importance a harmonised approach to biosecurity border management, trade facilitation and capacity building and noted that fora such as the QRM are an excellent opportunity to connect with international counterparts.

Mr Sam Griffiths from DAWE presented on the Khapra Beetle response and new measures that Australia has implemented to manage the risk. The presentation outlined Australia response to the recent and increasing hitchhiker risk of khapra beetle in sea containers. The multiple questions asked regarding the requirements and approach taken by Australia highlighted the global consensus surrounding the issue of khapra beetle.

Mr Rama Karri from DAWE spoke about what Australia is doing to manage the increasing risk of hitchhiker pests. The presentation detailed where the risks lie and what Australia is doing to mitigate those risks, including collaborating with trading partners, offshore assurance schemes and taking advantage of new technology. During further discussion it was noted that there has been significant investment from the Australian government to help manage those risks and Australia will provide some progress reports into the future.

Dr Wickramaarachchi from Sri Lanka’s National Plant Quarantine Service presented on pests that are of significant quarantine concern in Sri Lanka. Dr Wickramaarachchi expressed Sri Lanka’s desire to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of these pests, and also detailed plant diseases that are of particular concern, such as Citrus Greening.

On Day Two Mr André Nothomb and Mr Mathew Murphy from Cytec Solvay Group spoke about the future use of cylinderised phosphine as an alternative to methyl bromide and metal phosphide tablets. The presentation generated multiple questions and further discussion around various uses for phosphine. 

Ms Nancy Villegas from the International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal health (OIRSA) spoke about the prioritisation of regulated pests in the OIRSA region. Ms Villegas covered the criteria used when prioritising pests and discussed the model used to score each one. The presentation prompted questions around the pest entry pathways and what measures are being taken to detect and prevent infestation.

Ms Nidia Sandoval from OIRSA gave a presentation on how the new dog brigades in Guatemala have been successful as a first line of defence for keeping the region free of pests and diseases. The presentation covered the difference that the dogs have made when inspecting passengers and goods. The seizures resulting from detections and future dog detection projects in the region were discussed by participants.

Ms Janet Rowley and Ms Barb Nead-Nylander from Douglas Products ended the session by speaking about the evolution of the Douglas Products’ stewardship program for the use of sulphuryl fluoride, or Vikane and Profume. The stewardship program now includes biosecurity treatment specific information which supports Australia and New Zealand’s fight against brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). This is a great example of industry and government working collaboratively to address biosecurity risks.

Day Three began with Ms Penny McLeod from New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (NZ MPI) speaking about phytosanitary measures for the importation of used agricultural and forestry machinery. The presentation covered the associated risks involved with used machinery, import requirements and the challenges faced with regard to contamination which prompted many questions and discussion from participants.

Dr Andy Sheppard from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation gave a presentation on a report about Australia’s biosecurity future, covering economic impacts, system connectivity, shared responsibility and innovation in science and technology. Further discussion was had with participants around how the report could apply to every country to help improve biosecurity systems.

Ms Carol Quashie-Williams from DAWE presented on the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) pest surveillance and reporting project which explored how governments connect with donor agencies to further their programs. There was a lot of interest from participants wanting to know how their country can get involved in the project, with links provided for further information.

Mr Stephen Butcher from NZ MPI ended the session with a demonstration of the Official New Zealand Pest Register (ONZPR) online tool. This presented an opportunity for other agencies to see whether similar tools would be of benefit in their country.

Day Four began with a joint presentation on sea container cleanliness, by Mr Shane Sela from World Bank Group, Ms Wendy Asbil from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Ms Wendy Beltz from the United States Department of Agriculture, joined by Ms Sina Waghorn from NZ MPI and Mr Rama Karri from DAWE. The presentation covered contamination of sea containers and cargo, how this contamination occurs and the different initiatives and approaches to mitigate it.

Ms Jessica May from DAWE gave an update on some of the biosecurity innovation projects within Australia, with themes around remote auditing, treatment verification, exotic invasive ants and container traceability. Another project that was discussed was the creation of new apps to identify insects, including BMSB and other pest and native species.

To finish the session, Ms Erin Gillespie from NZ MPI spoke about the regulations associated with the disinsection of aircraft, the methods required for entry into Australia and New Zealand and the various verification methods used.

Day Five began with Mr Stephen Peios from DAWE facilitating an open discussion on the theme for the 2022 QRM. It was agreed that the theme for the 2022 QRM will be ‘Turning challenges into opportunities: adapting biosecurity regulation using advancing technology in an uncertain environment’.

Mr Murray Dawson from Landcare Research in New Zealand gave a presentation and virtual demonstration of a new app to identify plants at risk from Myrtle Rust. The presentation generated further discussion around who the app is aimed at and how many people use it.

Ms Danierla Cerón from the Phyto and Zoosanitary Regulation and Control Agency in Ecuador spoke about Ecuador’s recent experiences working with the fumigation of roses with phosphine. Ms Cerón explained that a new voluntary control has been put in place and been implemented by many industry participants in Ecuador.

Finally, Mr Nathan Reid from DAWE provided a recap of the meeting. He noted the diverse range of topics that had been covered over the five sessions and that the number of delegates who attended was a record for the QRM. He encouraged continued collaboration and communication between delegates, and for all to embrace the ‘new normal’, as we prepare to meet again face to face in the future. He thanked delegates and presenters for their participation and valuable contributions before officially closing the 2021 QRM.

Publication details

Department of Agriculture, 2019

This communique serves as a written record of the discussions and outcomes from the Quarantine Regulators Meeting.

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The 2019 Quarantine Regulators Meeting Communique

The 2019 Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM) was held in Panama City, Panama from 10 to 12 April 2019. This meeting was the second meeting under the three year theme Advancing biosecurity systems through a success-oriented plan. The focus of the meeting was on implementing controls and ongoing verification. The meeting, the eleventh of its kind, was co‑hosted by the Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (OIRSA) and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) with support from the Panamanian Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario.

The meeting had an attendance of 59 delegates representing 31 biosecurity agencies, discussing trade, future biosecurity controls and intelligence, pest controls, operations and border controls, and travellers. Mr Efrain Medina, Executive Director, OIRSA and Mr Jagtej Singh Assistant Secretary, DAWR opened the meeting. They both remarked on the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in successful biosecurity management and noted that fora such as the QRM are an excellent opportunity to connect with international counterparts.

Dr Kate Makin was then introduced as the new Australian Agriculture Counsellor to Mexico with responsibility for Central America. She spoke about the role of an Agricultural Counsellor in facilitating agricultural trade and cooperation. Dr Makin is the first Agricultural Counsellor in Mexico and she noted that her appointment reflected Australia’s recognition of the importance of Central America in global agricultural trade.

Mr Melvin Spreij from the Standards and Trade Development Facility and Mr Shane Sela from the World Bank then presented on the role their organisations play in improving trade facilitation. They spoke of the importance of safe trade in trade facilitation. They encouraged delegates to read the recently endorsed Trade Facilitation Agreement and remarked on the relationship between that agreement and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. They asked delegates to think about how biosecurity measures could be applied in a more efficient and less trade restrictive way while better managing biosecurity risk.

Mr Christian Delis from the United Stated Department of Agriculture presented on the benefits of ePhyto and gave a demonstration of the IPPC Hub. A generic, off-the-shelf, ePhyto system is currently being trialled by three agencies and is expected to become more widely available in the next six months. This system will remove the need for agencies to develop their own proprietary systems saving time and money.

Mr Stephen Peios from DAWR facilitated a workshop on innovation and the future of biosecurity. Delegates were asked to think about factors that would affect global trade in the future and how that would impact biosecurity management. Factors discussed included changing populations, emerging markets, the effect of 3D printing on manufacturing, climate change and transportation improvements. Delegates were also asked to think about how, as a biosecurity regulator, their agencies could respond to these factors. Responses included better use of new technologies including machine learning and artificial intelligence, better partnerships with industry, building relationships with other governments, investing in human capital and using a risk return approach.

OIRSA and Mexico presented on their risk analysis and intelligence systems. Both presentations remarked on the importance of risk analysis and intelligence in managing biosecurity risk.

Australia then presented on two publicly available resources they have developed to support biosecurity management. The Pest and Disease Image Library (PADIL) is a resource that can be used by border staff, entomologists and anyone else looking for help in identifying pests and disease. The International Biosecurity Intelligence System (IBIS) is an open source intelligence gathering tool. IBIS scours the internet for news articles, social media posts and other publicly available information for information on pests and disease outbreaks around the world.

Panama, Guatemala, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Australia all presented on management and eradication programs they have in place for various pests and diseases. These presentations highlighted how difficult and expensive control and eradication programs are and the importance of having effective controls in place to prevent the introduction of pests and disease.

Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan, New Zealand and Australia presented on their inspection programs in the cargo, passengers and mail pathways. These presentations gave a great insight into some of the innovation occurring around the world in inspection activities including new smart X-ray technologies, detector dogs and smarter targeting and profiling.

The 2019 QRM included a field trip to the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal. The impact of the Panama Canal on global trade cannot be overstated and the field trip gave delegates an excellent opportunity to see it first hand. Delegates were given an opportunity to view some of the biosecurity controls OIRSA and the Panamanian Ministerio de Desarrollo Agropecuario have introduced in Panamanian ports including chemical sprays for containers, fumigation and methyl bromide recapture and pre-export vehicle sanitation. The field trip also gave delegates an opportunity to experience Panamanian culture through a traditional dance performance.

Finally, the meeting closed with Mr Jagtej Singh thanking delegates for their participation and valuable discussion. He remarked that the QRM provided a great opportunity for international cooperation on biosecurity issues but reminded delegates that this meeting is just the start of cooperation. He encouraged all the delegates to continue to discuss and collaborate out of session. He closed by thanking OIRSA for co-hosting the 2019 QRM and thanked Panama for their warm hospitality for the week.

Publication details

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2018

This communique serves as a written record of the discussions and outcomes from the Quarantine Regulators Meeting.

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The 2018 Quarantine Regulators Meeting Communique

The 2018 Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM) was held in Bali, Indonesia, from 9 to 11 May 2018. Following discussions at the 2017 QRM in Lao PDR, it was decided that the theme of the 2018 meeting would be developed to encompass a three year forward plan, with a focus on achieving tangible outcomes as well as continuing to build on the success of the collaborative nature of the forum. The theme for the 2018-2020 QRMs is ‘Advancing biosecurity systems through a success-oriented plan’. Each QRM over the next three years will focus on different aspects of managing a biosecurity system, with the 2018 QRM focusing on identifying risks and designing controls.

The meeting, the tenth meeting of its kind, was co-hosted by the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (IAQA) and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR).

The meeting had an attendance of 52 delegates representing 21 international biosecurity agencies. Representatives from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) and the World Bank were also in attendance. Dr Antarjo Dikin, Director – Centre for Plant Quarantine and Biosafety, IAQA and Mr Dean Merrilees, Assistant Secretary from DAWR, opened the meeting. Their remarks highlighted the importance of the meeting in continuing to foster international cooperation, the progression of tangible deliverables that will enhance biosecurity measures and the expansion of fora such as the QRM, which are vital to sharing ideas and future visions for sustainable biosecurity systems.

Mr Nathan Reid of DAWR gave a ten year review of the QRM and what it has achieved to date, along with a presentation on the importance of understanding biosecurity systems which flowed into the purpose of the development of a three year theme for the 2018-2020 QRMs.

Following on from the presentation on understanding biosecurity systems, a workshop was held to complete process matrix maps with real life examples of biosecurity risks and the controls that are required for their effective management. Groups were asked to identify risks within their own biosecurity continuums and collectively analyse the controls they currently have in place. Delegates agreed to take alternative views and experiences, learned through the workshops, back to their respective agencies with the intent of being better equipped to develop appropriate controls to manage identified biosecurity risks.

This will continue to enhance the development of actions to drive outcomes in year two of the QRM cycle. This work will be built upon next year when the focus of the QRM shifts to implementing and verifying controls.

IAQA, and the Chilean Agriculture and Livestock Service, both presented on new legislative measures that have been implemented in each of their respective countries to accelerate import and export service activity (Indonesia), as well as progress the introduction of the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) (Chile). These presentations highlighted the need to ensure biosecurity legislation provides a framework for managing biosecurity risk.

Ms Theresa Morrissey of the World Bank provided an overview of the work the World Bank does in trade facilitation. Ms Morrissey also provided an update on the International Plant Protection Convention’s Sea Container Task Force and Mr Dean Merrilees complemented this with a presentation on the Integrated Risk and Compliance Model developed by DAWR, which relates to using risk modelling to manage sea container cleanliness. Air container cleanliness was also covered in depth by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), focussing on a standard that has been developed and implemented in New Zealand.

The International Regional Organisation for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) presented to the forum about how its e-learning course on AFAS has been developed and prepared for implementation, which demonstrated an alternative method of educating government and industry personnel on a biosecurity treatment management arrangement. This presentation was widely regarded by QRM members as an innovative solution to resourcing problems being faced by all members.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji presented to the group on alternative treatment methods and MPI discussed its recent major incident response regarding increased detections of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs.

Marlynne Hopper from the STDF introduced the work that the STDF does with governments and presented a video and moderated discussion on the importance of facilitating safe trade around the world. The STDF emphasised the importance of all stakeholders recognising their responsibilities and the criticality of partnerships being formed.

The 2018 QRM included a field trip to the South Western corner of the island to the cliffs of Uluwatu, exploring the beautiful views of the Balinese coastline. Alongside the cliffs was the Pura Luhur (Balinese Hindu temple) which was able to be trekked. A trip to Pandawa beach followed and insightful cultural information was provided to all participants during the day. The field trip also included a visit to an Ethylene Oxide facility which showed participants an alternative biosecurity treatment facility. Following the facility visit, the group travelled to a coffee processing facility and were educated on the production of coffee from the farm through to export. The QRM Official Dinner also included a performance of traditional Balinese dance.

The meeting concluded with a final workshop reinforcing the need to take a systems approach to managing biosecurity risk. Participants agreed to disseminate what they had learned at this QRM with their respective agencies and were reminded that the QRM group would be an excellent resource to tap into should anyone need guidance or information on current or emerging issues that are being faced.

The QRM again demonstrated the value of the forum as an information sharing platform and as an opportunity for biosecurity agencies to engage and collaborate on issues of shared interest.

Finally, OIRSA announced that it would be co-hosting the 2019 QRM with DAWR in Panama City, Panama and that it looked forward to seeing all QRM delegates in Central America.

Publication details

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2017

This communique serves as a written record of the discussions and outcomes from the Quarantine Regulators Meeting.

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The 2017 Quarantine Regulators Meeting Communique

The 2017 Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM), with a theme “Emerging Challenges and Opportunities for Biosecurity Compliance”, was held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 10 to 12 May 2017.

The meeting, the ninth meeting of its kind, was co-hosted by the Lao Department of Agriculture and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

The meeting had an attendance of 53 delegates representing 18 international biosecurity agencies, discussing issues pertaining to cargo and traveller movement and the very real risks associated with these pathways. Mr Vilaysouk Khennavong, Director General, Lao Department of Agriculture and Mr Andreas Zurbrugg, Deputy Ambassador to the Australian Embassy in Laos opened the meeting, with the keynote address provided by Ms Raelene Vivian, First Assistant Secretary from the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. All remarks highlighted the importance of the meeting in establishing and fostering international cooperation, which is fundamental to the management of biosecurity challenges that agencies are facing, and will continue to face, as trade becomes more liberalised and travellers become more mobile.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji presented on the recently established Sea Container Hygiene System, to manage the risks associated with the movement of containers in trade and how the implementation of bilateral arrangements within agencies can assist with the management of this.

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources focused on risk and behavioural analysis to inform the development of systems and initiatives to manage the risks associated with vessels and passengers. Discussion centred on underpinning methodologies to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce the occurrence of inadvertent and deliberate non-compliance. Australia also presented on pest surveillance activities that Australia undertakes to identify and respond to the risks associated with vector movement.

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries exposed delegates to the current risks resulting from the increased use of e-Commerce as a platform for consumers and how agencies can collaborate to identify and target the retailers and businesses associated with this source of trade.

The 2017 QRM included a field trip to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and border checkpoint, where delegates were provided with a comprehensive presentation on the activities that the Lao Department of Agriculture undertakes to overcome the challenges posed by the land movement of passengers and cargo. The field trip also included a visit to the Lao Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Centre, which enabled delegates to see the diagnostic capability that Laos has for the identification and analysis of plant related risks. The biosecurity aspects of the field trip were well-complemented by a tour through the varied and spectacular cultural sites of Vientiane, which illustrated the proud and rich heritage of the Lao people.

Finally, the meeting concluded with an active discussion on the value of the QRM and its future direction, with a resolve to improve the usefulness of the forum and obtain greater collaboration from all agencies involved in the QRM. The session reiterated the importance of engagement out of session, to effect meaningful change in agencies and assist with proactively identifying and responding to biosecurity challenges.

Publication details

Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, 2016

This communique serves as a written record of the discussions and outcomes from the Quarantine Regulators Meeting.

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The 2016 Quarantine Regulators Meeting Communique

'Harmonising Regulatory Practices to Encourage Biosecurity Compliance' was the theme of the eighth Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM), held in Melbourne, from 18 to 20 May 2016.

Attended by 40 delegates representing 26 international biosecurity agencies, the 2016 QRM was a resounding success. The meeting was officially opened by Dr Robyn Cleland, Assistant Secretary (Compliance Arrangements), Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, with the keynote address provided by Lyn O'Connell, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The keynote address outlined the importance of international collaboration in managing biosecurity risks and Australia's approach to biosecurity compliance.

The 2016 QRM had a full and interesting agenda, with presentations on several topics, including the Malaysian Department of Agriculture's experience in harmonising fumigation standards in-country; and the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency's and Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture's work with their respective industries, to encourage better compliance. New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries presented on the very real threat of marine biofouling, while the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis exposed delegates to the importance of data in managing pathway risk.

In recognition of the growth and direction of the QRM, delegates discussed the goals (mission, vision and values) of the meeting and proposed the development of a work plan, to assist in achieving the meeting's objectives. Delegates were also provided with a live demonstration of the network sites for the QRM and the International Cargo Cooperative Biosecurity Arrangement (ICCBA), which will undoubtedly make information sharing easier, into the future.

To conclude a productive three days, the 2016 QRM included the third meeting of the ICCBA Steering Committee, which endorsed the ICCBA Methyl Bromide Methodology, Guide to Performing QPS Fumigations with Methyl Bromide and the development of the Methyl Bromide Schedule to be introduced under ICCBA.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources would like to thank the 2016 QRM delegates for their support and invaluable contribution to this year's meeting, and encourages the ongoing collaboration between all participating agencies.

GPFD Workshop

The 2016 Quarantine Regulators Meeting was preceded by a workshop for the Government Partnerships for Development (GPFD) project, sponsored by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. GPFD counterparts discussed the next phase of the project, which will focus on the development and delivery of training courses to address in-country technical and administrative requirements pertaining to the application of biosecurity treatments. To support this phase, GPFD counterparts workshopped their in-country training requirements with an intent to identify similarities in training needs and a harmonised approach to training delivery.

Field Trip

Ants, spiders, possums and kangaroos, were some of the insects and animals that delegates saw on their guided tour of the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary, which also showcased some of Australia's native flora. The tour provided delegates with information on La Trobe University’s extensive program to eradicate exotic plants and re-establish indigenous species of plants.
The department's state-of-the-art Post Entry Quarantine facility (which opened in October 2015) was also visited. During the visit, delegates were provided with a presentation on the facility, its features and daily operations and were taken on a guided tour.

ICCBA Meetings

Meetings of the four International Cargo Cooperative Biosecurity Arrangement (ICCBA) technical working groups were held in conjunction with the QRM. The main outcomes were the finalisation of the Methyl Bromide Methodology and supporting Guide and the agreement to conduct operational trials to evaluate the Heat Treatment Methodology and the Post Treatment Storage Protocol. A technical working group, formalised by the ICCBA Steering Committee at the 2016 QRM for the development of the Methyl Bromide Schedule, will be considering and drafting the terms of the document within the coming months.