Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Ethyl formate (EF) in combination with carbon dioxide (CO2) is a new biosecurity treatment for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) from 1 September 2025.
As part of implementation, the Ethyl formate fumigation methodology (version 1.0) and associated treatment documentation templates have been published and are available on the Methodologies and documents for biosecurity treatments webpage.
The methodology outlines the minimum requirements for conducting ethyl formate fumigations on commodities and/or associated packaging for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes. It has been developed in consultation with stakeholders and subject matter experts, including through a Have Your Say survey that was open in June 2025.
Implementation of ethyl formate will be phased, beginning with offshore use as a pre-arrival treatment for the 2025-26 BMSB risk season, with plans for onshore use to follow in 2026-27. BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period.
Treatment providers wishing to conduct ethyl formate treatments must be registered under AusTreat, our offshore treatment assurance scheme. A registration form will be available on the AusTreat webpage on 1 August 2025.
Treatment schedules have been developed and will be published prior to 1 September 2025.We will host virtual information sessions for AusTreat treatment providers in August 2025. More information including dates and registration details will be released shortly.
Find the Ethyl formate fumigation methodology on the department's webpage.
If you have any questions, please contact Offshore Treatments at offshoretreatments@aff.gov.au.
182-2025: Have Your Say: Ethyl formate fumigation methodology consultation
252-2024: Two new fumigants under consideration