Detail of Fumigation recognition arrangement Attachment One
Exporters wishing to undertake fumigation that will be recognised by NZ MAF must have the fumigation conducted in accordance with the following conditions.
Scope
NB This arrangement is for surface feeding pests only (RG 1) and cannot be used where fruit fly eggs/larvae (RG 3) are detected. Some RG2 pests may be treated by fumigation (if applicable). Where this occurs other procedures outlined in BQA SOM must be followed. If fruit fly eggs/larvae are found they must be treated in accordance with the procedures outlined in BQA SOM.
Processes
All treatment centres (whether operating under co-regulation or monitored by AQIS) intending to carry out fumigations under this arrangement must document their fumigation process. This documented (auditable) system must include the following information:
- The method for identifying and segregating treated and untreated product.
- The method for determining lowest produce temperature.
- The method for calculating fumigant concentrations.
- The method of calculating product volume & chamber/tent volumes.
- The treatment process and controls.
- Documentation of Treatment records (including temperatures).
- The method of calibrating treatment equipment.
- The frequency of calibration.
- Who is to perform calibration.
- The security of treated product.
- The supervision of loading.
This system must be approved by AQIS prior to commencing treatments under this arrangement.
Monitoring
AQIS will monitor every treatment undertaken at the centre at the current fee-for-service rates, unless the centre is currently operating under a co-regulation arrangement where normal audit schedules will apply.
Application
Treatments are only to be used when regulated pests are detected on fresh produce (fruit and vegetable consignments) destined for export to either Australia or New Zealand. This arrangement cannot be used as a pre-emptive measure.
Treatment centres must also meet all the requirements of the applicable state government regulations & responsibilities in their day-to-day operations.
Treatment centres also have the option of entering into a co-regulation arrangement with AQIS (for fixed chambers only) for the treatment of produce. Where this is the case, AQIS will conduct audits of treatment centres initially on a monthly basis but may be reduced to two or three times during the season where substantial compliance is established. MAF may audit the treatment centre and AQIS management systems at any time. If, after implementation of this system, it is shown that a large disparity exists between treatment centres in the number of treatments undertaken, an alternative audit regime may be implemented based on the actual number of treatments undertaken. This will effectively ensure that low-throughput facilities are not unduly subject to audit, while large-throughput facilities are regularly monitored for compliance.
Where eggs are detected on produce that has been treated under this arrangement NZMAF will accept that the treatment has been performed correctly and the eggs are non-viable, unless there is evidence to suggest that the efficacy of the treatment is in doubt (eg. detection of live insects). In this case AQIS shall be notified of the failure and will conduct follow-up action.
Non-compliance
In the event of an identified and/or continued instance of non-conformance, the treatment operator shall be suspended until such time as an audit has been conducted and corrective actions identified and implemented.
Endorsement
Details of the treatments used shall either be included in the treatment section of, or as an additional declaration to, the phytosanitary certificate. Treatment details must include the product line, time, temperature and concentration of fumigant used for the treatment.