Consignments are to be treated prior to export, or in transit, with phosphine at:
- 1.5 grm/m3 for 7 days above 25 degrees Celsius;
OR
- 1.5 grm/m3 for 10 days at 15-25 degrees Celsius.
Note:
- The fumigation rate may be expressed as "3-5 tablets per ton" on the import permit. This is considered equivalent to approximately 1.5grm - 2.44grm per cubic metre.
- If the import permit expresses the treatment rate as "3-5 tablets per ton" and lists a shorter fumigation period than allowed under the Australian label, fumigation must occur at the above rate, and fumigation details must be endorsed as "3 tablets or more per ton for [number of days required by import permit] or more at [temperature]"
Details of treatment to be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate in the treatment section.
The exporter is to provide evidence attesting to the treatment and present it to the Authorised Officer at the time of inspection.
In-transit fumigation:
In-transit phosphine fumigation details may be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate in the treatment section as follows:
"The phosphine fumigation of [commodity] onboard [enter vessel name] was conducted in-transit by a licensed fumigator at (g/m3) for (days) at (℃)".
The exporter is to provide evidence attesting to the treatment and present it to the department at time of authorisation.
Details of treatment to be endorsed on the phytosanitary certificate in the treatment section.
For treatment, which is not undertaken onshore, prior to departure, the licensed fumigator/exporter is to provide the Grain and Seed Export Program Grain.Export@agriculture.gov.au with:
- Permit issued by the APVMA allowing use of fumigant in-transit
- Fumigation plan including re-circulation method and monitoring lines and their locations
- Method of sealing holds during fumigation
- Method of clearing the fumigant from the consignment
- Method used to provide gas free certification
A treatment certificate from the licensed fumigator must be presented prior to the issuance of any government certificates and must contain:
- Dosage (grm/m3), temperature (℃), and duration of treatment (days) in accordance with NPPO import conditions
- Vessel name, destination and holds loaded
- Commodity and quantity
- Signed by a licensed fumigator with contact details provided
Note:
- In-transit phosphine fumigation may only be undertaken when approved by the destination country.
- If treatment is to be undertaken in-transit, consignment must be found free of live insects during phytosanitary inspection.
- Fumigator must submit the Fumigation Plan to the Grain and Seed Exports Program (Grain.Export@awe.gov.au) for approval before undertaking in-transit phosphine fumigation to meet importing country's quarantine requirement.