29 March 2018
Purpose
The purpose of this Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise exporters that Pakistan has recently made significant changes to its import requirements for chickpeas for consumption.
Summary of changes and key points
Consignments of chickpeas for consumption to Pakistan must be free of Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei). Chickpeas unable to meet this requirement now require mandatory methyl bromide fumigation or to be treated with moist heat. The new fumigation and heat treatment schedules are as follows:
Methyl bromide fumigation:
- 80 g/m3 for 72 hours at 21 degree Celsius or above or
- 88 g/m3 for 72 hours at 16-20.9 degree Celsius or above or
- 96 g/m3 for 72 hours at 11-15.9 degree Celsius or above or
- 102 g/m3 for 72 hours at 10-10.9 degree Celsius or above or
Moist heat treatment at:
- 95˚C at 50% relative humidity for 24 hours or
- 85˚C at 50% relative humidity for 48 hours.
The new import conditions are available on MICoR.
However, exporters can still export under old import conditions on presentation of a valid import permit conforming to those requirements.
Background
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources received a number of import permits for chickpeas for consumption to Pakistan requiring freedom from Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei). Exporters are required to provide an area of production freedom certificate or a laboratory test analysis report based on ISTA guidelines for endorsing freedom from this pest. We understand given the widespread nature of the disease in chickpeas growing areas it may be difficult to qualify for area of production freedom.
Australia has requested Pakistan to review the new import requirements and to align the conditions with the biosecurity risk associated with Australian chickpeas for consumption. Exporters may continue to export by either endorsing freedom from Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei) as result of area of product freedom, laboratory test analysis, methyl bromide fumigation or moist heat treatment. We understand that Pakistan may randomly test chickpeas for viability on arrival. It is important to know that methyl bromide fumigation does not completely devitalise chickpeas at these rates and exposure period. This poses further risk to a smooth trade even after meeting the fumigation requirements.
Exporters responsibilities
Ensure chickpeas are free of Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei) or fumigate with methyl bromide or heat treat as per Pakistan’s new requirements.
Exporters are to be aware that undertaking methyl bromide fumigation at a higher dosage and longer exposure period to meet Pakistan’s requirements may result in higher than the allowable bromide residue in chickpeas.
Authorised Officers responsibilities
Authorised Officers must validate the treatment certificate, laboratory analysis certificate and/or area of production freedom certificate to meet Pakistan’s import requirements.
Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding this IAN please contact Grain and Seed Exports Program on 02 6272 3229 or email Grain Export.
David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch