Page Content
Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme
In response to the high quarantine risk posed by ineffective fumigation treatments performed offshore, AQIS developed the AFAS. A disproportionate number of ineffective methyl bromide fumigations performed offshore originate from fumigators in a relatively small number of countries and AFAS will assist fumigators from these countries meet Australia’s quarantine requirements.
AFAS has a number of parts:
- A management system run by the overseas agency to ensure continued training, accreditation and compliance of fumigators
- A training and accreditation system for fumigators and regulatory officers
- A registration system for fumigation companies
- Acceptance by Australia of fumigation certificates issued under the AFAS.
The main objectives of the scheme are to:
- Provide assistance for capacity building for overseas quarantine agencies (or equivalent), in respect to monitoring and registering fumigation providers
- Enhance the technical expertise of overseas fumigation providers and registering officers by providing training in accordance with world’s best practice for conducting methyl bromide fumigations
- Assist fumigators in maintaining a high standard of fumigation performance and compliance with AQIS requirements and facilitate foreign export trade.
To start the program, AQIS will help with the theoretical and practical training of some methyl bromide fumigators and government agency staff. At the completion of the training phase, a competency assessment will be conducted for those intending to provide treatments for Australian Quarantine requirements.
The fumigation companies who can demonstrate access to methyl bromide, the necessary equipment to conduct fumigation treatments and have at least one AFAS-trained fumigator present at all export fumigations, will be recognised as registered offshore fumigation companies by AQIS. Once registered, AQIS will accept treatment certificates from the registered company.
Related information
Offshore Methyl Bromide Treatment Providers List
Participating Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) Countries
AQIS quarantine treatments and fumigants – Methyl bromide fumigation standard
AFAS Newsletters
