On 4 August 2020, Australia issued a SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/502) informing trading partners of its intention to implement emergency measures to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium). The emergency measures are being implemented in phases and will result in changes to import conditions for plant products and sea containers.
This addendum is to notify trading partners of provisional alternative treatment options available for high-risk plant products under Phase 3 of the emergency measures.
Provisional alternative treatment options:
Phase 3 of the emergency measures will commence in September 2021. It will introduce mandatory offshore treatment using an approved option for high-risk plant products exported from a khapra beetle target risk country, via all commercial air and sea pathways.
Approved treatment options are heat treatment and methyl bromide fumigation. We recognise these options are not feasible for some products. As such, we have considered alternative treatment options including modified atmosphere treatments
We have published a document on our website detailing alternative treatment options available for high-risk plant products. These options are provisional measures only. Provisional measures are subject to change as further data and information becomes available.
We are continuing to engage with peak industry bodies on the alternative treatment options.
Further information:
Information on the emergency measures for containers can be found on the department's website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actions
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