On 4 August 2020, Australia issued an SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/502) informing trading partners of its intention to implement emergency measures to plant products that are hosts of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of this pest.
In response to the recent and increasing hitchhiker risk of khapra beetle in shipping containers, we have determined that changes to the management of containers is now an immediate priority for addressing khapra beetle risk. Accordingly, we plan to implement new measures for containers (Phase 6) ahead of proposed changes for plant products and seeds for sowing (Phases 3-5).
A revised schedule of the implementation of the phases is below.
Phase 1: Ban on high-risk plant products within unaccompanied personal effects and low value freight - Commenced 3 September 2020 (See G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.1)
Phase 2: Ban on high-risk plant products within accompanied baggage or via international travellers or mail articles - Commenced 15 October. (See G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.2)
Phase 3: Revised phytosanitary certification and new offshore treatment requirements for high-risk plant products arriving via commercial pathways - Expected to commence in mid-late 2021
Phase 4: Revised phytosanitary certification and new offshore treatment requirements for other risk plant products arriving via all import pathways - Expected to commence in mid-late 2021
Phase 5: Introduction of phytosanitary certification for all seeds for sowing - Expected to commence in mid-late 2021
Phase 6: Revised measures for shipping containers - Expected to commence in early 2021
Phase 6: Revised measures for shipping containers
We are currently working through what the revised measures for shipping containers will involve. A range of measures are being considered, including possible treatment options. We will provide further information to trading partners on the proposed measures for containers over the coming months. As contamination of shipping containers is a global problem, we would welcome the opportunity to partner with other countries to identify a global solution.
This addendum concerns: Other: Additional information on the implementation of Phase 6 of emergency measures.
|