afas newsletter september 2009 - issue 11

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Inside this issue:

  • China Fumigation Training
  • Clarification of AQIS Requirements
  • India Audit Training
  • Indonesia JSR
  • PNG Train the Trainer
  • Philippines JSR
  • Notice to Fumigators
  • Technical Quick Tip
  • Team Member Profile
  • Up-coming Events
  • Offshore Development Program Staff

Message from the Manager

Well it’s hard to believe that half the year is over. It has certainly been a very busy and productive 2009 so far with many highlights reported in this Newsletter.

AFAS Audit Training was delivered to officers from the India Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage and, from all accounts, the training was very well received.

Another significant achievement was the delivery of methyl bromide fumigation training to members of the fumigation industry in the People’s Republic of China. This training now paves the way for full AFAS implementation in China later in the year.

On another issue, there has been some confusion surrounding AQIS documentary requirements for used plywood/veneer packaging and plastic wrapping declarations. Inside you will find some clarification on these. Of course, if you need further information, we are here to assist.

We hope that you find the Newsletter helpful and informative. Your feedback and suggestions on its contents would be most wel-comed.

This is an image of David Cox.

David Cox
Manager
Offshore Development Program

China Fumigation Training

The AQIS training team comprising David Cox, Nathan Reid (AQIS), Mark Sheppard, Jan Van Someren Graver (PEST Australia), Simon Lui and Jennifer Wei (JFW Co Ltd) delivered fumigation training to 84 Chinese fumigators and quarantine offi-cials in three locations in China from 15 June to 4 July 2009.

The visit to China officially started with an opening ceremony and photo in Shunde, Guangdong province.

This is an image of AQIS training team in Shunde, Guangdong province.

Shunde, Guangdong

The AQIS training team spent a week in Shunde delivering training and conducting competency assessments before travelling to Shanghai.

As part of the training several scenarios are given to the trainees who work in teams to derive outcomes. Each team is then asked to present their answers to the class. The participation from all trainees was excellent with a great deal of discussion held.

This is an image of scenarios in Shanghai.

Scenarios in Shanghai

The final location for training was in the Tianjin Economic – Technological Development Area, Tianjin.

The AQIS training team had the privilege of being joined for two days in Tianjin by Ms Amy Guihot, Australia’s Agriculture Counsellor to China. Ms Guihot had the opportunity to observe the practical component of the course and was also able to see the trainees work through the scenarios in the class room.

This is an image of preparing training in Tianjin.

Preparing for practical training in Tianjin

Due to the enthusiasm, participation and hard work of the trainees 100% competency was achieved in the three training locations. This achievement is something that the trainees should be very proud of.

The AQIS training team would like to thank the many CIQ officials who provided such great support that ensured a successful visit. We have taken away many fond memories and friendships that will last a life time.

Finally, we would like to wish our friends in Shanghai all the best with EXPO 2010!

Clarification of AQIS Requirements

Wood packaging imported to Australia must either be:

  1. ISPM 15 compliant; or
  2. Treated in accordance with AQIS import conditions and accompanied with a treatment certificate.

ISPM 15 Packaging

AQIS accepts ISPM 15 solid wood packaging and dunnage. An ISPM 15 treatment certificate is not required, because the packaging has the ISPM 15 stamp. To facilitate import, a statement is required that says all wood packaging in a consignment is ISPM 15 compliant and free of quarantine risk material such as soil, bark, in-sects or mould. The ISPM 15 statement must read as follows: “All timber packaging/dunnage used in the con-signment has been treated and marked in compliance with ISPM 15.” This statement can be on a phytosanitary certificate, an invoice, packing declaration or a packing list.

Plywood

Plywood and veneer is acceptable to AQIS as packaging and dunnage or as a commodity, as long as it is accompanied by a newly manufactured declaration. Plywood and veneer must be manufactured within 21 days of export (see below) if manufactured in Fiji, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vanuatu or Western Samoa. Plywood and veneer from all other countries must be manufactured within three months of export. If the plywood or veneer is older than these requirements, it is considered to be untreated, and must be accompanied by an appropriate treatment certificate.

Reconstituted Wood Products

Reconstituted wood products such as chipboard, oriented strand board, High Density Fibreboard (HDF) and Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) are highly processed and do not require treatment. Strawboard (made from agricultural waste) is prohibited.

Bark

Bark is not permitted on timber or wood packaging. The exception is bark associated with knot holes, in such cases AQIS will only take action if there is an identified or suspected quarantine risk. AQIS is currently re-viewing this policy.

Plastic Wrapping Declaration

All fumigated consignments (from AFAS and non-AFAS countries) now require a plastic wrapping declaration. AFAS countries currently use the fumigation certificate in Appendix 5 of the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard which includes plastic wrapping declarations, and this meets the AQIS requirements.

Definition of Export

Previously, a fumigated consignment had to be containerised or shipped within 21 days of treatment. The consignment must now be ‘exported’ within 21 days of treatment. ‘Export’ occurs when the consignment is lodged with the freight forwarder, shipping/air line, charter operator or an appointed agent in the country of export; or shipped on board a vessel.

If you require further information or assistance please contact the Timber and Timber Products National Co-ordination Centre on telephone, +61 3 8318 6929, by fax on + 61 3 8318 6777 or via email.

India Audit Training

Sixteen senior officers from the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage at-tended methyl bromide fumigation audit training conducted by Gordon Weinert (AQIS) and John Field (Fumigation Training and Consultancy Services) from 11 - 14 May 2009 in Mumbai.

The four-day course comprised two days covering audit fundamentals that can be applied to a range of situa-tions. The final two days focused on the specific requirements for auditing AFAS registered fumigation com-panies to improve industry fumigation practices and achieve compliance with the requirements of the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard.

Feedback on the training was very positive and indicated that all par-ticipants gained new knowledge to assist them in effectively conduct-ing audits.

AQIS wishes to thank Dr P S Chandurkar and his colleagues for their assistance in organising the training course.

This is an image of Audit Training Participants.

Audit Training Participants

Indonesia Joint System Review

Melessa Lawton (AQIS) and Jan van Someren Graver (PEST Australia ) conducted the 2009 Indonesian Joint System Review (JSR) from 11 – 20 May 2009. A total of fourteen audits were conducted in Jakarta, Surabaya and Cirebon.

AQIS was impressed by the administration of AFAS carried out by the Indonesian Agricultural Quarantine Agency (IAQA) auditing secretariat. The AQIS audit team was able to view IAQA audit reports for individ-ual fumigation companies, which improved the effectiveness of the JSR.

The JSR Team was very pleased to observe actual fumigations and fumigation demonstrations at most of the companies audited. These fumigation companies showed a high level of professionalism and commitment to achieving the objectives of AFAS. The overall result of this JSR was very good, with the fumigation pratices, equipment, documentation and administration being of a high standard.

AQIS staff sincerely thank IAQA for its hospitality and cooperation during the JSR, and looks forward to working with IAQA in the fu-ture to maintain the high standard of AFAS fumigation in Indonesia.

This is an image of the AQIS and IAQA Audit Team.

AQIS and IAQA Audit Team

PNG Train-the-Trainer

Gordon Weinert (AQIS) and John Field (Fumigation Training and Consulting Services) con-ducted train-the-trainer training for National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) staff in Port Moresby from 22 - 24 July 2009.

The training was designed to increase NAQIA’s ability to train and accredit their own officers and industry fu-migators to fumigate in accordance with the AQIS Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard.

The three days of training gave the eight participating NAQIA officers the knowledge to effectively deliver the AFAS training and the oppor-tunity to present various sections of the training to the group.

AQIS would like to thank the NAQIA officers that attended the training for their enthusiastic participation and particularly Alphonse Bannick and Monica Kapram for their warm hospitality.

This is an image of Train-the-Trainer Classroom.

Train-the-Trainer Classroom

Philippines Joint System Review

Mark King and Rodney Malone (AQIS) and Peter Meadows (Peter Meadows Consulting)travelled to the Philippines from 12 – 22 July 2009 to conduct the first annual JSR of AFAS in the Philippines.

The JSR Team, which also included officers from the Philippines Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), visited nine fumigation companies, seven in the Manila region and two in Cebu, with the overall findings reflecting a high standard of compliance. BPI’s management of AFAS was also found to be of a high standard.

AQIS would like to thank the BPI officers and their management team for their efforts in making this first JSR a success and for their warm hospi-tality. We would also like to thank the fumigation companies for giving us the time to review their practices.

We look forward to returning next year.

This is an image of Auditing in Manila.

Auditing in Manila

Notice to Fumigators

All fumigation company employees should be aware that the recommended life of respirator filter canisters has recently been reduced to a maximum (accumulative) exposure to low concentrations of methyl bromide (as defined in the manufacturer's instructions for use) in a single 8 hour working day.

The appropriate type of filter canister for protection against inhalation of methyl bromide is an ‘AX’ filter canister. With Methyl Bromide being a ‘low boiling point organic compound’ only ‘AX’ filters will provide adequate protection when used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

The AFAS team strongly recommends manufacturer's guidelines be adhered to when conducting all AFAS methyl bromide fumigations.

Technical Quick Tip

Quick Tip # 2
Minimum Temperature

When performing AFAS fumigations if the dosage rate is adjusted due to a forecast minimum temperature below 21oC, all subsequent concentrations for the duration of the exposure period must be at or above the concentrations specified in the column on the AQIS Methyl Bromide Ready Reckoner that applies to the adjusted dose rate.

For example, the specified dose rate is 48g/m3 and the forecast minimum temperature is 14oC so you add 16g/m3 to get the correctly adjusted dose rate of 64g/m3. All concentration readings for the fumigation should now be compared against the 64g/m3 column according to the time they were taken.

Therefore, after 24 hours a concentration of at least 19.2g/m3 on all monitor lines is needed for the fumigation to be considered successful.

Team Member Profile

This is an image of Nadia Hummel.

Name:
Nadia Hummel

Role in Offshore Development Program:
Project officer in the Development and Implementation Team

Previous Occupations:
Department of Education, Employment and Work Place Relations – Communication Team
Department of Industry Tourism and Resources – Web content Author

Up-coming Events

  • Onshore Audit Training 1 - 3 September 09, Melbourne 22 – 24 October 09, Perth
  • Vehicle Inspection Training (Thailand) 12 - 13 October 09
  • Thailand Joint System Review (JSR) 14 – 23 October 09
  • Malaysia Joint System Review (JSR) Dates to be confirmed

Offshore Development Program Staff

Manager
David Cox

Development & Implementation
Nathan Reid - Manager
Gordon Weinert
Nadia Hummel

Audit & Review
Mark King - Manager
Rodney Malone
Isabella Johnston

Policy & New Initiatives
Patricia Fox - Manager
Melessa Lawton
Wayne Riley

For further information:

For general AFAS enquiries please contact: AFAS

For AQIS import conditions see: www.aqis.gov.au/ICON

For past issues of the AFAS newsletters see: www.aqis.gov.au

Last reviewed:
30 Mar 2010
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