15 October 2018
Who does this notice affect?
Onshore methyl bromide treatment providers and clients in the import industry associated with goods that are subject to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) seasonal measures.
What has changed?
Unlike other methyl bromide fumigations, dosage compensation for temperatures below the specified minimum temperature is not permitted for BMSB treatments.
The methyl bromide BMSB treatment rate is:
A dose of 16 g/m3 or above, at 15°C or above, for 12 hours or longer, with a minimum end point reading of 8 g/m3.
Dosage compensation is not permitted for temperatures below 15 degrees. If the forecast minimum temperature is below 15°C, the fumigation must either:
- be conducted in an enclosure that is heated above 15°C throughout the exposure period or
- postponed until the forecast minimum temperature for the full exposure period is above 15° C.
If the fumigation is conducted in a heated enclosure, the temperature within the enclosure must be monitored and recorded in accordance with the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology.
Importantly, the BMSB methyl bromide treatment rate specifies the minimum requirements for the fumigation. Fumigations can exceed any element of this rate (e.g. a higher dose, temperature, or end point reading, or a longer exposure period), as long as all other elements are at or above the minimum level specified in the treatment rate.
Further information
For further information, visit the Seasonal measures for BMSB webpage or contact BMSB Treatments