Overview
Smaller consignment and packaging sizes make it less likely that enough pests will enter the environment together to establish a new population.
- Examples include bulk consignments of grain presenting a different risk profile to the same volume of grain being packed and distributed in small bags.
- Evaluating the efficacy of this measure requires knowledge of the minimum number of pests needed to establish a new population, and how the likelihood of that being exceeded is affected by consignment and packaging size.
- Consignment and packaging size is often standardised for specific trade pathways and can therefore be considered during pest risk assessment. Different import requirements can be imposed on bulk or packed product, and maximum packaging size can be stipulated.
- For assurance, consignment and packaging size and/or type can be readily assessed at inspection prior to entry.
Evidence to support efficacy
Evaluating the efficacy of this measure requires knowledge of the minimum number of pests needed to establish a new population, the infestation rate in the consignment, and how any pests are likely to be distributed within consignments. Smaller consignments directly reduce the size and frequency of potential pest entry events, in turn reducing the likelihood of establishment. Packaging acts to disaggregate each consignment, thereby reducing the likelihood that multiple pests will enter the environment together at one location to establish a new population. The independence of any releases that could occur from individual consignments or packages will need to be assessed, as packages delivered and opened at the same location (e.g. a farm) at the same time could increase the risk of multiple pests entering the environment together.
This measure relates to the Maximum Pest Limit (MPL) concept that defines the maximum number of pests allowed in a shipment to prevent establishment. If an MPL is set, the likelihood of exceeding it depends on infestation rate, consignment size, and packaging size. The likelihood of exceeding an MPL is calculated for each package (assuming they would represent independent release events). Consignment size will affect the likelihood that the MPL is exceeded within a consignment given the package size.
Applying the measure
How it is used
Consignment and packaging size can be considered during a pest risk assessment. Its use as a measure can be implied where import requirements are modified with transport method. For example, where there are more stringent requirements to limit biosecurity risk in bulk grain relative to bagged grain. Use of this measure is most relevant where there is some discretion regarding the size of the consignment and how it is packed. Examples include a requirement for bagging mulch for movement out of an invasive ant incursion zone, and limits to the lot sizes permitted for agricultural seeds.
Use with other measures
In combination with trade volume, consignment and packaging size may influence the requirement for additional phytosanitary measures.
Similar measures
Consignment and packaging size interacts with trade volume to influence the number and size of independent pest releases that could occur. Consignment and packaging size is indirectly related to other measures that may place practical constraints on packaging size or type, such as safeguarding and treatment. For example, a safeguarding measure may require the secure boxing of fruit for transport.
Assurance of correct implementation
Compliance with packaging and consignment size specifications can be readily assessed during pre-border and at-the-border inspections.