The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry registers facilities as approved pre-border biosecurity treatment providers for ethylene oxide (ETO) treatments.

Consignments treated by approved pre-border ETO treatment providers must meet all import conditions and permit requirements. These can be found on the department's Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

The Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS) is a bilateral arrangement between the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) and participating overseas government agencies. AFAS manages the high biosecurity risk posed by ineffective methyl bromide (MB) treatments performed offshore.

Treatment providers registered under AFAS are trained in AFAS requirements and undergo regular compliance assessments. This provides increased confidence in the pre-export MB treatment conducted on goods imported into Australia.

Pre-border biosecurity

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s approach to biosecurity incorporates a variety of strategies and initiatives aimed at addressing biosecurity risks.

Biosecurity measures have been established to prevent the arrival and establishment of exotic pests and disease. These measures include requiring biosecurity treatments to be performed on consignments, or cleaning of sea containers prior to export to Australia.

The specifications for Sea Freight Container Inspection Stands (the specifications) outlines the design and maintenance requirements of support structures (stands) for sea freight containers, provided by other premises such as Approved Arrangement sites. It is applicable to stands used by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry officers to inspect the undersides of sea freight containers for potential biosecurity risk material.

'Cargo containers: biosecurity aspects and procedures' details information on biosecurity requirements for risk management of containers and the cargo and packaging materials they carry. Cargo containers have many potential biosecurity risks including timber pests, soil, plant and animal matter.

​Before your goods leave the country of origin, they should be packaged and treated to meet the import requirements set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

To make sure your goods are cleared with minimal delay, follow these steps: