Offshore BMSB treatment providers scheme

The Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme was updated in June 2020. The following table details the key changes:

Treatment providers that were registered under the scheme during the 2019-20 BMSB season must complete the application emailed to them directly or the application form below to commence their registration process for the 2020-21 season.

All BMSB treatment providers in target risk countries must register and be approved under the scheme to be able to conduct BMSB treatments. Treatments conducted by an unapproved treatment provider in a target risk country will not be recognised as valid and the goods will be directed for onshore treatment (if permitted) or export.

Treatment providers in non-target risk countries who intend to conduct BMSB treatments for goods that are manufactured in any of the target risk counties are also encouraged to register under the scheme.

Treatment certificates from providers in non-target risk countries who do not register will be accepted, however these goods will be subject to increased intervention compared to those treated by approved treatment providers. Treatment providers in non-target risk countries who perform multiple BMSB treatments during the season must join the scheme. If unregistered treatment providers continue to treat and present treatment certificates throughout the season and have not made any effort to register, future treated goods may be exported or destroyed.

There are two options for companies seeking to register multiple branches/locations under the scheme:

1. If each branch/location operates independently and manages its own staff, equipment, workload management, treatment records and treatment certification, then each branch/location must submit a separate application. Each branch must also provide documentary evidence that it meets all of the department’s minimum equipment requirements.
2. If all branches/locations use a central office to manage all staff, equipment, workload management, treatment records and treatment certification, only one application should be submitted. The address of the central office will be listed on the department’s webpage.

Treatment companies with multiple company branches/locations must submit separate applications for each branch.

All BMSB treatments must comply with the relevant treatment methodology from the below list:

• Methyl bromide fumigation methodology
• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation methodology
• Heat treatment methodology

The methodologies are available on the department’s website at Standards and documents for biosecurity treatments.

In addition to the treatment methodologies, specific guidance for conducting effective and compliant BMSB treatments is provided in a series of factsheets. The factsheets provide a summary of key compliance requirements regarding:

• Consignment suitability
• Heat treatment
• Methyl bromide fumigation
• Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation.

See Guidance factsheets for conducting BMSB Treatments. They should be read in conjunction with the relevant treatment methodology.  

Treatment providers who have had their applications approved are included on the list of offshore BMSB treatments providers webpage.