AUSTRALIA TO MONITOR METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION

AUSTRALIA TO MONITOR METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION    The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service said it will begin monitoring consignments that are fumigated with methyl bromide, starting Sept. 1.
   In a notice to the industry, AQIS said it “has concerns on the reduced effectiveness of methyl bromide treatments when temperatures within the fumigation enclosure drop below 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) at any time during the treatment period.” AQIS will initiate a monitoring program for consignments covered by certificates for fumigation treatment T9047, which indicate that minimum fumigation temperatures were below 50 F.
   The AQIS regulations are of issue with certain North American ports which commonly experience temperatures below this level. This may require containers to be re-directed for fumigation at quarantine-approved premises in Australia.
      Shipping line members of the United States Australasia Agreement are telling shippers they will continue to offer fumigation services in North America. However, USAA members advise that should temperatures dictate, “customers will be responsible for any costs related to cargo fumigation performed in Australia.”
   USAA member lines are Australia New Zealand Direct Line, Columbus Line, CMA-CGM, Contship Containerlines, P&O Nedlloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen.