Description
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has approved the use of a new fumigant, ethyl formate (EF) in combination with carbon dioxide (CO₂) for the treatment of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB). A fumigation methodology has been developed in consultation with industry and experts, and sets out the minimum requirements for treatment providers performing ethyl formate fumigations for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes. The methodology and associated treatment documentation are available on the department’s websiteImplementation of ethyl formate will be phased, beginning with offshore use as a pre-shipment treatment for the 2025-26 BMSB season. Plans for onshore use in Australia will commence for the 2026-27 BMSB season. All pre-border treatment providers wishing to conduct ethyl formate treatments must be registered under AusTreat, the department’s pre-border biosecurity treatment provider scheme. BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in, or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period.