Plant Export Operations · October 2015 Version 3.0 Horticulture Exports Program Page 1 of 19 Plant Export Operations ... Some of the operational requirements may be subject to change

Tasmanian Cherry Exports to Japan Work Plan

Date Published Current Version Number Document Owner Page Number

October 2015 Version 3.0 Horticulture Exports Program Page 1 of 19

Plant Export Operations

Work Plan

Tasmanian Cherry Exports to Japan

Version Number 3

Owner Assistant Secretary, Plant Export Operations

Contact Director, Horticulture Export Program

[email protected]

Availability Internal and External Trim File No. 2014/46691E Published Date 10/15

ISSUE/REV DATE REVISION DESCRIPTION BY

1.1

Dec 05

Original work plan

AP

1.2

Sept 08

Update to include draft conditions for non-fumigated cherries

RE

1.3

Dec 08

Update to meet new protocol for non-fumigated cherries

RE

1.4 Sept 10 Update format, registration templates – versions 2010 &

definitions BB

1.5 Dec 10 Fresh fruit inspection requirements KO

2.0 Nov 12 Redraft complete work plan RLP

3.0 Oct 15 Introduction of External Authorised Officers into Protocol

Markets AG/AL

mailto:[email protected]




CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................4

1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................5 1.1 Permitted cherry varieties and production area ................................................................. 5

1.2 Registered establishment .................................................................................................... 5

1.3 Labelling requirements ........................................................................................................ 5

1.4 Security of fruit after packing .............................................................................................. 6

1.5 Quarantine pests and diseases ............................................................................................ 6

1.6 Methyl Bromide Fumigation ................................................................................................ 6

1.6.1 General information ......................................................................................................... 6 1.6.2 Fumigation treatment schedule ....................................................................................... 7

2 GROWER RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................8 2.1 Export listing ........................................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Pest management ................................................................................................................ 8

2.2.1 Option 1 – Designated production areas .......................................................................... 8 2.2.2 Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation ........................................... 8

2.3 Documentation and record keeping .................................................................................... 8

3 TASMANIA DPIPWE RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................9 3.1 General requirements .......................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Monitoring for codling moth ............................................................................................... 9

4 PACKHOUSE RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................. 10 4.1 Export listing ...................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Processing requirements ................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Packaging and labelling requirements ............................................................................... 10

4.4 Documentation .................................................................................................................. 10

5 TREATMENT/ LOADOUT FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES ................... 11 5.1 General requirements ........................................................................................................ 11

5.2 Export listing ...................................................................................................................... 11

5.3 Facility requirements ......................................................................................................... 11

5.4 Documentation .................................................................................................................. 11

6 Fumigation chamber requirements ....................................................... 13 6.1 Chamber construction ....................................................................................................... 13

6.2 Equipment .......................................................................................................................... 13

6.3 Treatment .......................................................................................................................... 13

6.4 Calibration of the fumigation chamber ............................................................................. 13

6.5 Completion of treatment procedures ................................................................................ 14

6.6 Continuation of a failed treatment .................................................................................... 14

6.7 Storage of disinfested cherries .......................................................................................... 14




7 DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................... 15 7.1 MAFF communication ........................................................................................................ 15

7.1.1 Codling moth ................................................................................................................... 15 7.1.2 Export lists....................................................................................................................... 15 7.1.3 Invitation to audit ........................................................................................................... 15

7.2 Audit ................................................................................................................................... 15

7.3 Fumigation ......................................................................................................................... 15

7.4 Export inspection ............................................................................................................... 15

7.4.1 Inspection for cherries sourced from designated production areas .............................. 15 7.4.2 Inspection for cherries that have undergone intensive pest control measures and fumigation .................................................................................................................................. 16

7.5 Post-inspection security ..................................................................................................... 16

7.6 Rejection and suspension criteria ...................................................................................... 16

7.6.1 Detection of quarantine pests ........................................................................................ 16 7.7 Reconditioning ................................................................................................................... 16

7.8 Phytosanitary certification ................................................................................................. 17

8 MAFF REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................. 18 8.1 Import inspection ............................................................................................................... 18

8.2 Grounds for rejection* ....................................................................................................... 18

8.2.1 Live codling moth* .......................................................................................................... 18 8.3 MAFF audit ......................................................................................................................... 18

APPENDIX 1. CONCENTRATION–TIME (CT) PRODUCTION CALCULATION ....................................................................................................... 19




INTRODUCTION

This work plan details the requirements for the export of Tasmanian grown cherries to Japan.

The work plan promulgates the formal requirements for the export of cherries from Tasmania as agreed between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) Japan and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department).

The work plan is designed to be used by departmental staff and industry in the export of cherries to Japan. Amendments to the content of this document may require agreement from MAFF prior to implementation. Some of the operational requirements may be subject to change. In the event of any changes, departmental staff, State Departments of Agriculture and industry will be advised accordingly and this work plan updated as required.

Cherries can be exported to Japan under Option 1 or Option 2. For either option, industry must submit a written request for audit by a MAFF officer to the department at least 35 days before the commencement of exports. Requests must specify the intended date of commencement of export, and the MAFF officer’s intended arrival and departure date.

Option 1 – Designated production areas

Cherries produced in approved “designated production areas” in Tasmania, in which trap surveys for codling moth and fresh fruit inspections are conducted.

A MAFF officer will visit Tasmania to verify that codling moth trapping, fresh fruit inspection and reporting are being conducted in accordance with agreed conditions between MAFF and the department.

Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation

Cherries produced in Tasmania in areas that are implementing intensive pest control measures against codling moth, followed by fumigation.

A MAFF officer is required to confirm all disinfestations and inspections have been undertaken. Phytosanitary certificates for treated cherries are to be verified and signed by MAFF and an departmental authorised officer.




1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

All cherries destined for export to Japan must be grown, fumigated (if required) and packed in the State of Tasmania.

Growers, packhouses and treatment providers must be export-approved by the department for the export of cherries to Japan. Export approval occurs through the department occurs through Fruit Growers Tasmania (FGT). The department will provide an export list to MAFF who will visit and audit the cherry program before the export season.

All consignments presented for export must comply with the Export Control Act 1982, its subordinate orders and Japan’s import requirements. The department will verify that all requirements specified in the work plan are complied with and will stipulate corrective actions in the case of non-compliance.

All costs associated with the delivery of this work plan (i.e. departmental inspections and audits, MAFF audits, etc.) are the responsibility of industry.

1.1 Permitted cherry varieties and production area All varieties of cherries from Tasmania are permitted to be exported to Japan. Japan recognises that Tasmania is designated as an area:

i. with appropriate trapping and fresh fruit inspection against codling moth; or under intensive pest control against codling moth

ii. free from Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly.

1.2 Registered establishment

Packhouses, inspection facilities and loadout facilities must be a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Registered Establishment and meet the requirements of the Export Control Act 1982 and its subordinate orders when:

they are the final establishments inside the pest free area (PFA), and thereafter

export inspections are performed, or containers are loaded

where fumigation treatment is performed, and thereafter.

1.3 Labelling requirements

Labelling must be attached to the exposed side of a carton or pallet. The following requirements are mandatory for the export of cherries to Japan:

Each package must have the words “PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA” in a clearly visible position. The labeling format is as follows:

PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA*

OR

PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA*




Each package must have the words “FOR JAPAN” in a clearly visible position. The labeling format is as follows:

FOR JAPAN*

OR

日本*

* The formatting must be followed exactly. Japanese regulations do not specify a lettering size to constitute what is easily identifiable.

1.4 Security of fruit after packing

Each carton or packing tray must be manufactured and packed to ensure there are no gaps or open corners through which codling moth or other insects can enter. Any gaps or holes larger than 1.6mm must be taped over or covered with a mesh screen of less than 1.6mm.

1.5 Quarantine pests and diseases MAFF has identified the following pests of quarantine concern to Japan.

INSECT

Scientific name Common name

Cydia pomonella Codling moth

Ceratitis capitata Mediterranean fruit fly

Bactrocera tryoni Queensland fruit fly

If any stages (alive or dead) of Mediterranean or Queensland fruit fly are detected, the department (Horticulture Exports Program) must be notified immediately. If live codling moth are detected at fresh fruit or export inspection, the department must also be notified immediately. In this event, all exports of cherries to Japan will be suspended pending an investigation and advice from MAFF.

During any inspection, should a pest be found that is not contained in the non-quarantine pest list (http://www.pps.go.jp/english/), the pest will be regarded as actionable unless verified otherwise by MAFF.

1.6 Methyl Bromide Fumigation

1.6.1 General information

Fumigation is mandatory for all cherry exports to Japan under “Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation”.

The purpose of methyl bromide fumigation is to disinfest cherries from all stages of live codling moth. However, the effectiveness of fumigation sometimes varies according to the amount of fruit treated and sorption by other materials in the fumigation chamber such as packing materials.

The concentration time (CT product) accounts for these variations and is used as a measure of fumigation effectiveness. See Appendix 1 for CT product calculations.

a. Facilities and treatments must comply with section 5 of this work plan, and MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department must monitor the treatment process.

b. The whole treatment process shall take a minimum of two hours and cherries must be kept in the fumigation chamber/s during the whole treatment process.

http://www.pps.go.jp/english/




c. All fumigations must be performed with the amount of product space equal to or less than 44.5% of total air space within the chamber.

d. Gas concentration measurements shall be taken from the upper, middle and lower levels of the chamber to ensure gas has been distributed equally.

e. In case of fumigating packed cherries, sufficient gas permeability shall be ensured. The Lapins variety of cherries must be fumigated before packing.

1.6.2 Fumigation treatment schedule

Fumigation shall be conducted according to the following methods:

All varieties (excluding Lapins) a. The minimum dose rate for introduction of methyl bromide is 50g/m³.

b. The period of fumigation shall be 2 hours or longer.

c. Fruit pulp temperature shall be 12°C or higher. Temperatures must be taken from a number of locations within the chamber.

d. The temperature of the chamber shall be 17°C or higher.

e. The CT product for methyl bromide will be 77.9 or more. Fumigation can be extended if the CT product is less than 77.9. Refer to Appendix 1 for CT product calculation.

f. Gas concentration measurements shall be taken from the upper, middle and lower level of the chamber to assess the evenness of distribution of the gas within the chamber.

Lapins variety In the case of fumigating the Lapins variety, the above requirements must be met except for the following methods which are to be substituted:

a. The period of fumigation shall be 2 hours.

b. Fumigation shall be conducted prior to packaging.




2 GROWER RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Export listing

Growers intending to export cherries to Japan must be export-approved by the department. Export listing applications must be received by the department through FGT, by the date specified in the Industry Advice Notice (IAN). Application forms must include the following:

a. Details of properties/orchards (i.e. locality map);

b. Size of each orchard.

Growers may list more than one orchard or orchard block. Where more than one orchard/block is to be listed, an in-field map identifying each individual orchard/block and their size must be included.

2.2 Pest management

MAFF requires Tasmanian cherry production areas to undertake surveys and fresh fruit inspection for, or intensive pest control measures against, codling moth.

2.2.1 Option 1 – Designated production areas

Growers must meet the systems approach for the control of codling moth, and the area considered a “designated production area”. Refer to Section 3.

Before packing, a 600 unit (or more) fresh fruit inspection must be undertaken for each designated production area. The inspection can be conducted either:

a. Before harvest, fruit can be randomly sampled from randomly selected trees.

OR

b. Harvested fruit can be randomly sampled, at a packing facility, from the lots that will be exported to Japan at the time when fruit is brought in.

If codling moth is suspected during the visual inspection, fruit is to be cut open. Growers must keep records of the inspection.

2.2.2 Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation

Orchards must be regularly inspected by registered crop monitors for the presence of codling moth. Growers must undertake regular routine field control programs to manage codling moth. Recommended controls against codling moth must be implemented following advice from crop monitors.

Before export, cherries must be treated with methyl bromide fumigation (refer to Appendix 1) at a registered establishment (treatment facility, packhouse or loading facility).

2.3 Documentation and record keeping

Growers are responsible for maintaining all documentation and must provide the following to the department upon request:

a. grower registration form b. records of field controls and monitoring, including spray records c. documented system enabling traceability to orchards d. coding moth trapping data e. fresh fruit inspection.




3 TASMANIA DPIPWE RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 General requirements

If exporting under “Option 1 – Designated production areas”, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) must approve growers as being monitored under the DPIPWE systems approach for the control of codling moth.

DPIPWE must forward to the department all trapping records for codling moth at the completion of the cherry season.

3.2 Monitoring for codling moth

DPIPWE must implement codling moth trap monitoring at each approved orchard. The trap monitoring must be carried out weekly from 15 October each year until the completion of harvest from each orchard.

Codling moth pheromone traps (delta traps) must be placed in each orchard at a density of one trap per hectare plus one.

The number of traps per block is calculated by rounding down to the nearest whole number of hectares and adding one. For example: A block of 3.5 hectares = 3.0 traps + 1 = 4 traps, a block of 4.0 hectares = 4.0 traps + 1 = 5.0 traps.

The pheromone lure enticement agent to be used must be (8E, 10E), 10-dodecadien-1-ol. The pheromone lures for codling moth must be changed in each trap every four weeks.

DPIPWE must keep records of codling moth monitoring. These records are to be made available to the department and MAFF upon request.

When the average number of moths detected per trap exceeds 7 in any orchard, that orchard must be suspended from exporting to Japan for the rest of the season.

The average number of pests detected per trap = total number of pests trapped in one week in each orchard divided by total number of traps in orchard.




4 PACKHOUSE RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Export listing

Packhouses must be export-approved by the department specifically for export to Japan.

Packhouses will be subject to audit by the department before exporting can begin. In addition to an audit of packhouse procedures and documentation as part of the registration process, the audit must confirm that the packhouse meets the requirements of this work plan.

4.2 Processing requirements

Packhouses must only source fruit from growers approved by the department for export of cherries to Japan.

Packhouses can only pack cherries for Japan during daylight hours. Packhouses must ensure that there is no fruit in the packhouse (on the packing line or packaged product in the packhouse) before commencement of packing cherries for Japan.

Cherries for Japan must be segregated from all other cherries at all times when stored in packhouses and storage facilities.

For fruit sourced from designated production areas, packhouses must ensure a 600 fruit inspection has either been undertaken in the orchard or packhouse (refer to Section 2.2). Packhouses must maintain records of this inspection.

4.3 Packaging and labelling requirements

Wooden packaging must be compliant with ISPM 15 requirements.

Packing cartons must be new and clean and made from either new or recycled materials.

Labelling must be attached to the exposed side of a carton or pallet. The requirements specified in section 1.3 are mandatory for the export of cherries to Japan:

4.4 Documentation

Packhouses are responsible for maintaining all documentation and must provide to the department the following upon request:

a. completed and signed packhouse export-listed application for Japan

b. hygiene and pest control records

c. export-listed growers they intend to source cherries from

d. documented system enabling traceability to orchards

e. fresh fruit inspection records

f. other documents as requested.




5 TREATMENT/ LOADOUT FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES

5.1 General requirements

This section provides the requirements for facilities undertaking mandatory fumigation of cherries to Japan under “Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation”. Information on fumigation is included in section 1.6.

All fumigations of cherry consignments must be monitored by MAFF and an authorised officer approved by the department.

Only cherries that have successfully undergone fumigation will be permitted entry into the packing and storage area of the treatment facility.

Each carton must have markings to enable traceability to treatment lots (if applicable).

5.2 Export listing Treatment facilities intending to treat cherries must also be export-approved by the department specifically for export to Japan. Treatment facilities must be also inspected and approved by the department on an annual basis and are subject to an individual audit by MAFF before each export season.

5.3 Facility requirements

Treatment facilities must meet the following requirements:

a. Facilities must have fumigation equipment in accordance with the requirements listed in Appendix 1.

b. Facilities shall be used exclusively for the packing of fumigated cherries.

c. Facilities must have an approved treatment chamber for fumigation and a secure area for packing and storage of disinfested cherries.

d. All windows and any other openings to the treatment area will be screened (maximum opening 1.6mm), in order to prevent entry and infestation by codling moth and other insect pests.

e. Entry and exit facilities to the secure treatment environment must have systems in place to mitigate the entry of quarantine pests (i.e. air lock doors or double door system).

f. Treatment facilities must undertake and record an insecticide disinfestation and hygiene inspection before each export season, and as deemed necessary by MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department.

g. The MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department must be present to supervise the loading and unloading of the treatment chambers. Chamber doors cannot be opened until MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department are present.

5.4 Documentation

Treatment facilities are responsible for maintaining all documentation and must provide to the department the following upon request:

a. copy of the registered establishment form

b. copy of the Japan export listing application form




c. records of all cherries loaded into each chamber

d. dispatch records for each chamber and treatment lot

e. calibration records of chamber

f. treatment records

g. documented system enabling traceability to orchards

h. maintenance records of all equipment

i. records of annual disinfestations.

Load out facilities are responsible for maintaining a documented system detailing measures to prevent infestation of consignments and must provide to the department the following documentation upon request:

a. copy of the registered establishment form

b. copies of relevant export documentation (i.e. Transfer certificate, phytosanitary certificate)

c. dispatch/receival records for each consignment lot

d. hygiene records.




6 Fumigation chamber requirements

6.1 Chamber construction

a. The chamber must be airtight. Gas concentration will decrease during the course of the fumigation because of sorption by the fruit and packing materials.

b. Facilities must include a device for effectively dispensing methyl bromide (i.e. a heat exchanger) from outside the chamber.

c. The walls must be made from a non-absorbent material.

6.2 Equipment

a. Gas detectors with a minimum increment of 5mg/L will be used to measure methyl bromide concentrations. Any gas detector unable to display within 5mg/L must be replaced.

b. The chamber must be fitted with equipment capable of monitoring the temperature in the fumigation chamber from outside, at any time. For example, thermocouple wire, temperature recording probe or computerised data recorder.

c. The chamber must be equipped to allow the even distribution of gas within the chamber (i.e. a fan of sufficient capacity) and quickly dispel the gas at the completion of treatment.

d. The chamber must circulate gas constantly throughout the fumigation period.

e. There must be a MAFF-approved apparatus to enable measurement of the gas concentration inside the chamber at low, medium and upper heights during fumigation.

f. Temperature probes (pulp and air) shall be National Association of Testing Authorities Australia (NATA) (or similar standard) approved equipment.

6.3 Treatment

a. The doors to the treatment chamber shall be locked after loading and sealed to the satisfaction of the department and MAFF.

b. Fruit must be stacked in a manner that does not hinder the uniform distribution of the fumigant.

6.4 Calibration of the fumigation chamber

a. Calibration of the chamber will be supervised by an authorised officer approved by the department and a MAFF officer before the first treatment of each season.

b. Confirmation of the gas-tightness of the chamber/s will be conducted by the department and MAFF. This may be done by either of the following two options.

Methyl bromide test:

i. Fill the empty chamber with 10g/m³ of methyl bromide calculated on the inner space of the chamber, and

ii. Measure the mean value of the measured gas concentration in the upper, middle and the lower spaces at the end of 48 hours after introduction of the fumigant into the chamber. The final measurement must not be less than 70% of the initial dosage

OR




Pressure test:

iii. Raise the internal pressure of the chamber to 50mm on a kerosene nanometer. The level of the nanometer must not drop more than 5 mm in 22 seconds.

c. A copy of the option chosen and calibration results are to be retained and provided to the department and MAFF upon request.

d. Gas detectors must be certified in the form of a valid NATA certificate. A copy of the certificate must be made available to MAFF and the department upon request.

6.5 Completion of treatment procedures

The treatment lot/s will be verified by MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department providing results are consistent with the treatment parameters specified in section S 1.6. Upon completion of treatment, MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department will endorse the Fumigation Certificate.

6.6 Continuation of a failed treatment

If the CT product falls below 77.9, treatment may continue until the correct parameters are met. Where the CT product is less than the required value, fumigation can be extended by using the calculation provided in Appendix 2. The calculation answer is to be rounded up to the nearest 5 minutes.

Failed treatment lots (i.e. exporter chooses not to extend time, does not meet parameters outlined in section 1.5) must not enter the secure area of the treatment facility. The failed goods must exit via the non-secure pathway. Documentation of failed treatments must be retained and provided to the department and MAFF upon request.

6.7 Storage of disinfested cherries

Storage of treated cherries is permitted under the following conditions:

a. May be stored in the treatment chamber providing the doors remain sealed and approved measures are taken to ensure door/s into the non-secure areas cannot be opened.

b. Stored (loose or packed) in the secure area of the treatment facility.

c. Packed and sealed cherry cartons that have passed quarantine inspection may be transferred to other registered premises (under transfer certificate) for storage or loading into containers providing cartons are adequately sealed against contamination by codling moth or other pests. All registered premises participating in export of cherries to Japan must designate a storage area exclusively for treated cherries.

d. Full details of the treated consignment lot will be included on a transfer certificate (EX 186) and/or phytosanitary certificate.

e. Load out facilities are to provide a documented pathway to the department detailing the consignment lot pathway from treatment to load out facility.

f. Treatment, storage and load out facilities must maintain documents to enable traceability to the grower. Documentation must be presented to the department and/or MAFF upon request.




7 DEPARTMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

7.1 MAFF communication

7.1.1 Codling moth

For designated production areas, the department will notify MAFF of any detection greater than an average of 7 codling moths per trap per week. The designated production area will be suspended.

If codling moth is detected during fresh fruit or export inspection, the department must suspend all fresh cherry exports to Japan. The department will notify MAFF of the detection.

Each year the department will notify MAFF of the results of DPIPWE codling moth surveys after each cherry season.

7.1.2 Export lists

The department must forward the export list to MAFF by 14 October each year.

7.1.3 Invitation to audit

The department must issue a letter of invitation for MAFF to visit and audit the pest monitoring and export processes each export season. An itinerary must be provided before the officer departs from Japan.

7.2 Audit

The department will carry out audits to ensure compliance with the work plan. The full cost of any audits by the department and/or MAFF will be borne by industry.

If the program is suspended by MAFF because of interception of a pest of quarantine concern, or any irregularity, the program will remain suspended until the department and MAFF are satisfied the cause of the non-conformance has been identified and suitable corrective measures have been implemented.

7.3 Fumigation

Authorised officers approved by the department are to undertake the following duties:

a. supervise calibration of registered treatment chambers

b. monitor all fumigation treatments

c. approve and endorse fumigation certificates.

7.4 Export inspection

An authorised officer approved by the department will perform a 1% inspection (rounded up to the nearest whole carton) of total cartons for each consignment as presented on an EX28/RFP.

Inspection will include verification against all aspects of the work plan.

If a pest is detected that is not on the non-quarantine pest list (http://www.pps.go.jp/english/), the pest will be regarded as actionable unless verified otherwise by MAFF.

7.4.1 Inspection for cherries sourced from designated production areas

http://www.pps.go.jp/english/




The authorised officer approved by the department will only inspect cherries that have been sourced from approved “designated production areas” and have passed a fresh fruit inspection either in the field or packhouse prior to grading.

7.4.2 Inspection for cherries that have undergone intensive pest control measures and fumigation

MAFF officer and an authorised officer approved by the department will only inspect cherries that have been treated and packed for export.

7.5 Post-inspection security

Containers must be secured using department-approved bolt seals (shown)

If a consignment is travelling interstate for loading, a transfer certificate is to be used. Full details of the consignment and the security measures are to be included on a transfer certificate (EX186).

The authorised officer approved by the department will monitor the post-treatment security of cherries for export to Japan.

7.6 Rejection and suspension criteria

7.6.1 Detection of quarantine pests

If any stages of live codling moth are detected during inspection of cherries from designated production areas, inspection must cease, the department must be notified immediately, and all exports to Japan suspended.

If any stages of live codling moth are found during inspection after fumigation, no further treatments will be conducted until the cause and corrective actions are agreed between the department and MAFF.

If any stages, alive or dead, of Mediterranean or Queensland fruit fly are detected, the department must be notified immediately.

7.7 Reconditioning

If any live pests (except any stages of quarantine pests listed in Section 1.5) are found during inspection, reconditioning of the rejected consignments may be considered. The type of reconditioning is at the exporter’s discretion; however, the reconditioning method chosen must suitably address the quarantine risk and biology of the pest.




Reconditioned consignments intended for export to Japan must be re-presented for inspection in accordance with the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Order 2011. Details of goods being resubmitted must be detailed in writing and include corrective measures taken to ensure they meet export requirements.

After reconditioning, the consignment must be re-inspected and found free from any stages of live pests before a phytosanitary certificate can be certified.

7.8 Phytosanitary certification

Phytosanitary certificates are required to be completed in accordance with procedures set out in the Phytosanitary Certificate Completion Work Instruction.

A phytosanitary certificate will only be authorised by the Plant Exports National Documentation Hub when all export conditions are met.

For sea freight shipments, both the container and seal numbers must be recorded on the phytosanitary certificate.

The packhouse number/s must be entered into the “shipping marks” section of the EXDOC Request for Permit (RFP) and be in the example format of: PACKHOUSE NO: 0000.

All cherries being exported to Japan under “Option 2 – Intensive pest control measures and fumigation” must have undergone mandatory fumigation to disinfest against listed quarantine pests (Section 1.5).

The following information must be inserted into the “DISINFESTATION AND/OR DISINFESTATION TREATMENT” section of the phytosanitary certificate:

a. date of treatment/s

b. type of treatment

c. Chemical (active ingredient)

d. concentration

e. treatment duration and temperature

f. treatment lot number/s

The authorised officers approved by the department must sight valid treatment records to endorse a phytosanitary certificate.

Additional declarations can be found on the MICoR database (http://micor.agriculture.gov.au/).

http://micor.agriculture.gov.au/




8 MAFF REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Import inspection

The original phytosanitary certificate must accompany the consignment. All documentation will be checked on arrival prior to MAFF inspecting the consignment lot.

All consignments are subject to inspection upon arrival in Japan.

8.2 Grounds for rejection*

Consignments may be destroyed or returned to Australia at the discretion of MAFF in the event that:

a. The phytosanitary certificate is not attached to the consignment;

b. Quarantine pests are intercepted (Section 1.5);

c. The product requires treatment prior to export;

d. The shipping container is damaged or missing a departmental seal;

e. The consignment is not correctly labelled and packed; and / or

f. Package/s are damaged or opened.

8.2.1 Live codling moth*

If live codling moth is detected during import inspection, the following measures may be taken:

a. All of the fruit in the lot will be destroyed or returned.

b. The export of cherries from Australia will be suspended and no further inspections shall be conducted.

c. The cause of the codling moth interception will be investigated jointly by the department and MAFF. Import inspections may be suspended until the cause is clarified.

* Any corrective measures will be at the expense of the Tasmanian cherry industry.

8.3 MAFF audit

A MAFF plant protection officer reserves the right to observe, at their discretion, the fruit fly management and the export procedures in Australia.

All expenses relating to a MAFF audit must be met by industry.




APPENDIX 1. CONCENTRATION–TIME (CT) PRODUCTION CALCULATION

It must be confirmed that the CT product is at or above 77.9.

Gas concentrations shall be taken at three positions in the chamber (upper, middle and lower) and the average of these figures shall be used.

The concentration of methyl bromide in the chamber, which is indicated as mg/L, and the duration of fumigation (CT product) shall be calculated as follows:

CT product (mg x h/L) = (7.5C15 + 22.5C30 + 45C60 + 30C120) / 60

For example:

After 15 minutes of fumigation gas concentrations taken from the 3 positions = 50, 50, 50

Average concentration (C) value = 50.0







Therefore the calculation is:

CT product = (7.5 x 50.0) + (22.5 x 48.3) + (45 x 45.3) + (30 x 45.3) / 60

= (375.0 + 1086.8 + 2038.5 + 1359.0) / 60

= 4859.3 / 60

= 81

This treatment would be accepted as the CT product is greater than 77.9

When the CT product calculated is less than 77.9, then the fumigation can be extended using the following: Extension of time (minutes) = 60 x (77.9 – CT product) /C120

For example, if the CT product calculation = 70 and the last average reading was 30

Extension of time (minutes) = 60 x (77.9 – 70) / 30

= (60 x 7.9) / 30

= 15.8 minutes

Extension time would be 15 minutes (rounded up to nearest 5 minutes).

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Plant Export Operations · October 2015 Version 3.0 Horticulture Exports Program Page 1 of 19 Plant Export Operations ... Some of the operational requirements may be subject to change