Alerts
Khapra beetle measures: Phase 3 and final controlled atmosphere treatment methodology
Effective from 24 September 2021As notified on 23 August 2021, Phase 3 of the khapra beetle urgent actions commences on 30 September 2021 and applies to high-risk plant products exported on or after this date. Phase 3 introduces mandatory offshore treatment and phytosanitary certification requirements for high-risk plant products exported from khapra beetle target-risk countries. Approved treatments are methyl bromide fumigation, heat treatment and controlled atmosphere treatment.
To support the implementation of Phase 3 of the khapra beetle measures, we have published the final controlled atmosphere treatment methodology on our website.
Summary of changes to the controlled atmosphere treatment methodology from the consultation draft:
- clarifications to language and amendments to typographical errors
- changes to pressure testing requirements for sheeted enclosures
- changes to requirements for the use of a vaporiser when applying carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas to an enclosure
- addition of minimum accuracy requirements for gas concentration monitoring equipment
- addition of a definition for pressure testing to the glossary.
An import permit is required for high-risk plant products that have been treated using a controlled atmosphere treatment. The goods must have an import permit before they arrive in Australia. Apply for an import permit through BICON.
Please note, in scope rice and milling products impacted by Phase 3 measures can continue to be lodged under the class 19.2 AEPCOMM approved arrangement. Please ensure that all new BICON import conditions have been met.
Who does this alert 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.
Further information:
For further information, see:
- urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium)
- khapra beetle bulletin
- approved commodities and related information for class 19.2 AEPCOMM approved arrangement.
For questions and information related directly to offshore khapra beetle treatments, please email offshoretreatments@agriculture.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’).
This Alert applies to the following Cases:
- Bean seed for human consumption
- Rice for human consumption or processing
- Celery seed for human consumption
- Whole dried peas for human consumption
- Fennel seed for human consumption
- Articles stuffed with dried herbs or seed
- Cumin seed for human consumption
- Split legumes for human consumption
- Pelted wheat for human consumption
- Whole lentils for human consumption
- Peanuts for human consumption or processing
- Processed grain and seed products for human consumption
- Soybeans (excluding frozen) for human consumption
- Chickpeas for human consumption
- Cucurbit seed for human consumption
- Dried vegetables for human consumption
- Coriander seed for human consumption
- Powdered herbs for human consumption