The National Biosecurity Committee treatments harmonisation working group was established to explore a nationally coordinated framework for managing biosecurity treatments. The working group has representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE), state and territory governments and Plant Health Australia.
Onshore methyl bromide treatment providers and related industry members – including Customs brokers and Freight forwarders – participated in the survey over a four-week period. The purpose of the survey was to gather information for the working group and review the methyl bromide fumigation methodology.
DAWE has now issued Industry Advice Notices to share initial results. They are notice numbers 84-2021: Methyl bromide treatment provider survey and 2021-16: Compliance policy – Nationally harmonised framework for managing biosecurity treatments – survey report.
Participant responses have now been summarised into a report. The working group is considering the following minimum principles for a nationally harmonised framework:
- Consistent treatment methodologies
- National biosecurity specific accreditation
- Consistent audit requirements
- Recognition across import, export and domestic pathway
This will reduce red-tape, simplify the job, and improve assurance.
DAWE says it will continue to explore a framework for methyl bromide fumigations before considering other treatments for cargo and containers. Their intention is to establish a common understanding of some of the views across the industry and to inform future engagement. They will issue greater detail to us in the near future.
Colless Young offers you professional advice on all matters related to international shipping and clearance through Customs and quarantine. Based in Brisbane, we provide a complete range of logistics services, both air and sea cargo, through all Australian ports and airports. As licensed Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders, we handle imports, exports, trucking, warehousing and fumigation treatment.
