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Onshore Fumigation Frequently Asked Questions
Why are changes to the present system necessary?
Unfortunately, there is some history of onshore methyl bromide fumigation failures, which has been determined by the auditing of fumigation companies that are presently signatories to the AQIS Onshore Fumigation Scheme, as well as the detection of live insects after treatment. AQIS also wishes to align onshore arrangements with those that are being implemented offshore through the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), particularly in the area of competency-based assessment against the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard.
When will these new onshore fumigation arrangements start?
The revised onshore fumigation arrangements under the Onshore Fumigation Strategy are currently being developed. It is expected that they will be implemented by June 2008.
What is the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard?
The AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard describes the technical procedures for performing an effective fumigation on goods (commodities, packing and containers). The Standard can be accessed via the AQIS website at www.aqis.gov.au/quarantinetreatments.
Will all companies that wish to perform methyl bromide fumigations for AQIS be required to enter into a co-regulatory arrangement with AQIS?
Yes. Fumigation companies will be obliged to enter into a co-regulatory arrangement with AQIS. Of course, there may be exemptions granted in extraordinary circumstances. In such cases, fumigations will be monitored by an AQIS officer.
If a fumigation company is currently participating in the AQIS Onshore Fumigation Scheme and is a signatory to a compliance agreement, will the company be required to sign onto the revised scheme?
Yes. The present compliance agreements will become void when the new scheme is implemented. This means that companies currently operating under a compliance agreement will need to be assessed for competency against the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard before they will be allowed to participate in the new co-regulatory scheme. Companies will also need to demonstrate ongoing competency through audits.
What is the AQIS Approved Onshore Fumigation Providers List?
As part of the new arrangements, AQIS will be incorporating a list of approved fumigation providers as part of the requirements under the new co-regulatory arrangements. The List will be publicly available and published on the AQIS website as they become approved.
Will the new co-regulatory arrangements include the fumigation of export commodities?
Yes. This is a departure from the current arrangement that only covers quarantine fumigation of commodities being imported into Australia. Including exported commodities in the revised arrangements will ensure that they are being fumigated to the standard that AQIS requires from those countries where the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) is being implemented.
Will fumigation companies have a choice of entering into a co-regulatory arrangement only for exported commodities, or only for imported commodities?
Yes. The co-regulatory arrangement is being developed with this kind of flexibility in mind. This means that fumigation companies will have the choice of signing an agreement to fumigate either imported commodities, exported commodities, or both if desired.