Alerts

Additional measures for bean thrips on US oranges and mandarins to be implemented 15 Feb 2016

As previously advised via BICON alert on 24 Dec 2015, The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has notified the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it has imposed a threshold limit for bean thrips (Caliothrips fasciatus) interceptions on consignments of citrus from the US for the 2015-16 season.  The threshold limit was set at 15 intercepts for bean thrips detected during department inspection (on-arrival or off-shore). 

The department has notified the USDA that this threshold limit was reached on 28 Jan 2015 and as a result, one of the following management options for bean thrips will apply for all consignments of navel oranges (Citrus sinensis) and mandarins/tangerines (Citrus reticulata) as of 15 Feb 2016:

1. Pre-shipment fumigation with methyl bromide, or
   

2. Fruit produced under the systems approach for bean thrips – under this option fruit will require treatment with ‘Cropfume’ (active ingredients pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide) in conjunction with fruit inspection and fruit cutting.
   

The new measures will not apply to any shipments currently in transit, but for any shipments inspected by USDA authorised officers from 15 Feb 2016 (reflected in the ‘Date Inspected’ section of the Phytosanitary certificate).

The department is in the process of updating BICON and will make every effort to re-issue BICON or ICON import permits to current permit holders within the next week. Permit holders may continue to use their current permits until issued with a varied permit; however all shipments under the new measures from 15 Feb 2016 will require Phytosanitary certification with the new requirements.

The department will review the above measures after the current season concludes.

For any further information, please contact imports@agriculture.gov.au or 1800 900 090.