Notification of emergency measures for Khapra beetle: next phase of emergency measures

On 4 August 2020, Australia issued a SPS notification (G/SPS/N/AUS/502) informing trading partners of its intention to implement emergency measures to safeguard Australia against the entry, establishment and spread of khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium

The next phase of Australia's emergency measures will commence on 12 April 2021. This phase will introduce mandatory offshore treatment for certain sea containers. More information on this phase can be found at: http://www.awe.gov.au/khapra-containers

Commencing late April 2021, Australia will be undertaking a survey to identify the rate of sea containers contaminated with khapra beetle arriving in Australia. The results of this survey will inform Australia's assessment of the risk posed by sea containers and may result in changes to Australia's emergency measures. Sea containers will be tested for the potential presence of khapra beetle using Environmental DNA (eDNA) and Environmental RNA (eRNA). The survey will include sea containers that have held agricultural and non-agricultural goods from a range of countries. Sea containers may leave Australia prior to results being confirmed. If live populations of khapra beetle are indicated (through eRNA) for sea containers that have left Australia, the relevant National Plant Protection Organizations will be notified.Further informationInformation on the emergency measures for containers can be found on the department's website: http://www.awe.gov.au/khapra-containers

Addenda to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and implementation dates for subsequent phases. Complete import conditions and details regarding the measures will be outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) prior to the implementation date.

For enquiries, please email imports@agriculture.gov.au (please title the subject line of the email with 'Plant Tier 2 – khapra urgent actions').