G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.5  
 
21 December 2020  
(20-9237) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  Original: English  
 
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
Addendum  
The following communication, received on 21 December 2020, is being circulated at the request of 
the Delegation of Australia . 
 
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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 granarium ). 
As 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 meas ures 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 containers  
Phase 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 conta iners 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 good s, 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 M ethyl 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 G/SPS/N/AUS/502/Add.5  
 
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  department's Heat Treatment Methodol ogy. 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 o n 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 information  
Additional 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 -actions . 
The 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 . 
Addend a to this SPS notification will be published to notify the measures and implementation dates 
for subse quent phases. Complete import conditions and details regarding the measures will be 
outlined in the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) prior to the implementation date.  
This addendum concerns a:  
[ ] Modification of final date for comments  
[ ] Modification of content and/or sco pe of previously notified regulation  
[ ] Withdrawal of  regulation  
[ ] Change in period of application of measure  
[X] Other: Additional information on the implementation of Phase 6 of emergency 
measures.  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments: [X]  National Notification Authority, 
[ ] National Enquiry Point. Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other 
body:  
The Australian SPS Notification Authority  
GPO Box 858  
Canberra ACT 2601  
Australia  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au  
Text(s) available from: [X]  National Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point. 
Address, fax number and e -mail address (if available) of other body:  
The Australian SPS Notification Authority  
GPO Box 858  
Canberra ACT 2601  
Australia  
E-mail: sps.contact@agriculture.gov.au  
 
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