In 2021 we reported on an initiative by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to conduct a Methyl bromide treatment provider survey. Today DAFF announces they have been further reviewing the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology and that consultation is now open on their Have Your Say platform.
DAFF is updating and modernising the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology to improve effectiveness, ease of understanding and enforceability. They will continue to explore a framework for this method before considering other treatments for shipping containers and cargo. Their intention is to establish a common understanding of some of the views across the industry and to inform future engagement.
Back in 2021 DAFF had invited feedback specifically from our industry about how Australia’s biosecurity requirements are applied on the ground, particularly on the topic of methyl bromide fumigation. The National Biosecurity Committee treatments harmonisation working group was established to explore a nationally coordinated framework for managing biosecurity treatments. The working group had representatives from DAFF, state and territory governments and Plant Health Australia.
Today (23 January 2023) they have issued Industry Advice Notice no. 13-2023: “Industry consultation on the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology open”.
This IAN is targeted at import-related biosecurity treatment stakeholders, including all importers, brokerages, onshore approved arrangement holders, overseas government and treatment industry entities, relevant domestic state and territory government agencies, and other shipping, freight, and logistics peak industry bodies.
The updated version is intended to communicate DAFF’s requirements more clearly to help treatment providers meet treatment requirements and give them greater assurance fumigations are correctly performed.
DAFF says they’re excited for participants to be part of the consultation on the methodology and they will use the feedback received to influence changes and modernise the methodology. They also encourage biosecurity industry stakeholders to contact them if they are interested in joining the Virtual Industry Roundtable consultation session in March 2023. To do so, interested parties should email their details to afas@agriculture.gov.au. (If you have already registered you do not need to contact them again).
Have your say
The official notice from DAFF says, “We are seeking feedback on the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology. We invite you to provide feedback via our Have Your Say platform. This webpage contains access to the current version of the methodology. We would also appreciate your assistance with sharing this link with any relevant stakeholders. Your feedback will help inform changes to the next version of the methodology.”
The consultation period closes on 24 February 2023.
Colless Young offers you professional advice on all matters related to international shipping and clearance through Customs and quarantine. As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. We handle imports, exports, trucking, warehousing and fumigation treatment. Call us for updated shipping schedules and freight rates.
