Khapra beetle measures: Phase 3 and final controlled atmosphere treatment methodology

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) wish to advise that the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) has issued Industry Advice 207-2021 advising of the publication of  the final controlled atmosphere treatment methodology to support Phase 3 of  the urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle (khapra measures).

What has changed?

Phase 3 of the khapra beetle urgent actions commences on 30 September 2021 and applies to high-risk plant products exported on or after this date. Phase 3 introduces mandatory offshore treatment and phytosanitary certification requirements for high-risk plant products exported from khapra beetle target-risk countries. Approved treatments are methyl bromide fumigation, heat treatment and controlled atmosphere treatment.

To support the implementation of Phase 3 of the khapra beetle measures, we have published the final controlled atmosphere treatment methodology on our website.

Summary of changes to the controlled atmosphere treatment methodology from the consultation draft:

• clarifications to language and amendments to typographical errors
• changes to pressure testing requirements for sheeted enclosures
• changes to requirements for the use of a vaporiser when applying carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas to an enclosure
• addition of minimum accuracy requirements for gas concentration monitoring equipment
• addition of a definition for pressure testing to the glossary.

An import permit is required for high-risk plant products that have been treated using a controlled atmosphere treatment.  The goods must have an import permit before they arrive in Australia. Apply for an import permit through BICON.

Please note, in scope rice and milling products impacted by Phase 3 measures can continue to be lodged under the class 19.2 AEPCOMM approved arrangement.

Please ensure that all new BICON import conditions have been met.

Further information 

For further information, see:

• Urgent actions to protect against khapra beetle
• Khapra beetle bulletin
• Approved commodities and related information for class 19.2 AEPCOMM approved arrangement

For questions and information related directly to offshore khapra beetle treatments, please email offshoretreatments@agriculture.gov.au

All other enquiries regarding these measures, please phone 1800 900 090 or email imports@awe.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with 'Plant Tier 2 – khapra urgent actions').