The quarantine risk posed by ineffective offshore fumigation treatments in Indonesia has been addressed with a collaborative partnership to train fumigators in best practice fumigation principles and techniques.

Under the Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) and the Agricultural Quarantine Agency of Indonesia (AQA) have developed a comprehensive training program to improve the performance of Indonesian methyl bromide fumigation providers. 

So far, more than 60 quarantine officers and fumigators have received training and accreditation in Indonesia provided by Australian fumigation experts. Indonesia is now conducting its own training using the Australian developed training package. Fumigation providers deemed to be competent in methyl bromide fumigations are registered.

“Indonesia is the first country to participate in the AFAS initiative and is therefore well-placed to become a world leader in best practice fumigation treatments to address quarantine risks associated with the import of plants and plant products,” AQIS National Manager, Cargo Management, Dr Andy Carroll said at a ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra to mark the event.

“This will greatly enhance AQIS’s existing measures to address the risk of ineffective offshore fumigation treatments and facilitate export trade to Australia and other countries by assisting offshore fumigation companies to meet importing country requirements.

“It’s a win-win outcome for AQIS and Indonesia,” Dr Carroll said.

AQIS relies on effective fumigation treatments performed offshore and onshore to address quarantine risks associated with the imports of plants and plant products including wooden packing materials. Offshore fumigation is a key treatment for managing quarantine risk prior to the arrival of goods in Australia.

AQIS relies heavily on the integrity of fumigation certification in its import clearance processes. Sponsored by AusAID and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, there are already plans to extend the AFAS program into China, India, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.