Notification of emergency measures for Khapra beetle.

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 granariumAs notified in addendum G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.3, Australia now plans to implement new measures for containers (Phase 6) ahead of proposed changes for plant products and seeds for sowing (Phases 3-5). Further detail on the proposed measures for sea containers is now available.The measures for sea containers will be implemented in two phases (Phase 6A and Phase 6B).
Phase 6A: New measures for target risk sea containersPhase 6A is expected to commence in March/April 2021 at the earliest. Under this phase, new measures will be introduced for the highest risk containers (target risk containers).
What are target risk containers? A target risk container is defined as a:·         FCL/FCX container carrying high-risk plant products and loaded in a khapra beetle target risk country;·         FCL/FCX container shipped from a khapra beetle target risk country and destined to a rural grain growing area of Australia.Note: ISO tanks, reefers, flat racks, LCL /FAK and containers that will be shipped as empty containers are excluded from the measures.
What are the measures for target risk containers? Target risk containers must be treated offshore using a department approved treatment option prior to loading goods.
What are the approved treatment options for target risk containers? The treatment of target risk countries must be conducted offshore prior to loading goods using one of the following treatment options:·         Methyl bromide fumigation: Prior to loading the goods, the container must be fumigated with a dose of 80 g/m3 or above, at 21°C or above for a minimum of 48 hours, with an end point reading of 20 g/m3 or above. The fumigation must be conducted in a sheeted enclosure and in accordance with the department's Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology;·         Heat treatment: Prior to loading the goods, the container must be heat treated at 60°C or higher for a minimum of 120 minutes. The treatment must be conducted in accordance with the department's Heat Treatment Methodology. Additional container-specific heat treatment instructions will be published on our website prior to implementation of Phase 6A;·         Insecticide spray: Prior to loading the goods, the container must be sprayed with contact insecticide. Additional details on this treatment option will be published on our website prior to implementation of Phase 6A.
Phase 6B: New measures for high-risk sea containers
Phase 6B is expected to commence in late 2021 and will include measures for a broader range of containers (i.e. all high-risk containers). Further information about these measures, including details on consultation, will be made available on our website.Further informationAdditional information on the emergency measures can be found on the department's website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actionsThe department will also be holding virtual information sessions to provide further information on the changes under Phase 6A prior to implementation. Trading partners are welcome to attend. Registrations to attend will open soon and will be available via the department's website: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/plant/khapra-beetle/urgent-actions
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.