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Offshore Methyl Bromide Treatment Providers
Reminder: Check AQIS’s Import Conditions database (ICON), and your Import Permit conditions (if relevant) to determine all import requirements prior to importing, and to confirm that offshore methyl bromide treatment is an acceptable treatment option for your commodity.
Methyl bromide is widely used as a quarantine fumigant for timber, agricultural products, empty containers, foodstuffs, seeds, plants, and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is favoured due to its availability, ease in use, its high toxicity, good penetrating ability and speed of action.
It is important to note that the penetration of methyl bromide is easily inhibited by plastic wrapping or laminated plastic films, lacquered or painted surfaces, aluminium foil, and tarred or waxed paper. Fumigation must be conducted prior to painting or lacquering. Plastic wrapping must be opened, cut or removed prior to fumigation.
More detailed information about methyl bromide fumigation procedures for timber commodities, packing and dunnage can be found in the following AQIS publications:
- Cargo Containers – Quarantine Aspects and Procedures, at www.aqis.gov.au/cargoqap, and
- AQIS Quarantine Treatments and Fumigants at www.aqis.gov.au/quarantinetreatments
AQIS is currently working with overseas governments to progressively implement the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) in a number of countries. Further information about this scheme can be found at www.aqis.gov.au/afas.
Offshore methyl bromide treatment providers will fall into one of 5 categories. Further information about these categories can be found at the following link: