The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), an operating group within
the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – Australia, has
the responsibility for minimising the risk of introducing exotic pests and diseases into
Australia. In doing this AQIS is mindful of the need; (a) to ensure worldwide access
for imports into Australia, and exports from Australia, through international
negotiations and efficient certification systems, (b) for effective inspection systems to
protect Australia’s agricultural production, consumers and environment.
Increasingly AQIS seeks to manage quarantine risks offshore. A pivotal aspect of
that process concerns the efficacy of quarantine treatments performed overseas. To
minimise the risk of introducing exotic pests and diseases into Australia, AQIS has
developed a document that sets out the minimum standards that apply to disinfestation
treatments using the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) with guidance for undertaking
fumigations to meet Australia’s requirements.
It is proposed to implement an accreditation scheme that will restrict AQIS
acceptance of treatment certificates to those issued by fumigators with a demonstrated
capacity to perform effective fumigations.
The information in this document covers the AQIS quarantine requirements only.
Whilst the document is current on the date of issue, AQIS will update this information
from time to time.
INTRODUCTION