The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has advised of increased measures to protect against Khapra Beetles.
Khapra Beetles are found throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe in the countries listed below and pose a significant biosecurity risk to Australia.
FCL/FCX containers shipped from these countries on or after 12 July 2021, and destined to be unpacked in rural grain-growing areas of Australia, will be subject to mandatory offshore treatment before packing but within 21 days before export.
Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the export of the container upon arrival in Australia. Visit the DAWE website to determine if your delivery destination is subject to treatment measures.
The approved treatment options for affected containers will be methyl bromide, heat treatment or insecticide spray.
METHYL BROMIDE
The container must be fumigated offshore with methyl bromide for a minimum of 48 hours at various dosages depending on the outside temperature.
A container may be treated once packed. If the imported commodity also requires methyl bromide treatment, only one treatment is necessary to meet both the container and the commodity treatment requirements.
HEAT TREATMENT
The container must be heat treated offshore to at least 60°C for a minimum of 3 hours.
INSECTICIDE SPRAY
Insecticide spray containing the active constituent deltamethrin may be offered as a provisional treatment option only. DAWE strongly recommends methyl bromide or heat treatment options.
For details of all approved treatment options, please visit the DAWE website.
Only authorised treatment providers may carry out treatments. Please confirm the status of your treatment provider with the Magellan Customs teams to ensure they are authorized, as their status may have changed.
Where a container is packed in a non-Khapra Beetle country, but the port of loading or supplier/exporter on the Bill of Lading is in a Khapra Beetle country, such containers are exempt from treatment requirements. However, a sealing declaration is required for verification.
A sealing declaration will also be beneficial when a container has been treated and sealed within 21 days before export, but the date of export is outside the timeframe. Sealing declaration templates may be found here.
It is important to note that onshore Khapra Beetle treatment is not available in Australia due to the environmental risk this represents. Untreated containers will be ordered for re-exportation.
Please get in touch with me on 1300 651 888 or duncan.g@maglog.com.au, your Magellan Logistics Customs Broker or Client Services Representative, should you have further questions regarding this matter.
At Magellan Logistics, we also provide a wide range of freight management services which include digital freight tracking System, importing goods to Australia, and more. Contact us today for more information!
