Sea container measures to protect against khapra beetle

16 Mar 2021 / Australia

Phase 6A of the khapra beetle urgent actions will commence from 12 April 2021. Phase 6A will introduce mandatory offshore treatment requirements for target risk sea containers.

To assist in preparing stakeholders for these changes, a specific web page outlining the sea container measures has been published. This web page can be accessed at awe.gov.au/khapra-containers.

The web page includes updated and new information on the following components of the Phase 6A measures:

  • Implementation dates
  • Treatment options, rates and requirements
  • Approved treatment providers
  • Treatment certification requirements
  • February 2021 information sessions.

While these measures will be commencing from 12 April 2021, start dates will now be staggered depending on the type of target risk container.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in export of the container upon arrival in Australia.

Full Container Load (FCL)/Full Container Consolidated (FCX) container where high-risk plant products are packed into the sea container in a khapra beetle target risk country.

  • Implementation date: 12 April 2021 (i.e. containers exported on or after 12 April 2021).
  • How to comply: Containers must be treated offshore prior to packing* using an approved treatment option and accompanied by a valid treatment certificate.
    *Note: treatment of containers already loaded with goods is acceptable for methyl bromide treatment only.

FCL/FCX container where other goods are packed into the sea container in a khapra beetle target risk country and destined to a rural grain growing area of Australia.

  • Implementation date: Mid-2021 (we will advise of the implementation date as soon as possible).
  • How to comply: Containers must be treated offshore (prior to packing*) using an approved treatment option and accompanied by a valid treatment certificate.
    *Note: treatment of containers already loaded with goods is acceptable for methyl bromide treatment only.

(For information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected])

Source: Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment Import Industry Advice No.34-2021

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.