The fumigation of cargo entering Australia is one of the best defences we have against hitchhiker pests that could be present in consignments from overseas.
On 1 May 2025, version 3.0 of the methyl bromide fumigation methodology will come into force.
The new version of the methodology sets out the minimum requirements for treatment providers who perform fumigations on commodities and packaging using methyl bromide.
Although there are minor changes made to treatment requirements and processes, there are no changes to how a successful methyl bromide fumigation is performed.
We have removed ambiguous language, simplified wording and clarified the requirements. This helps treatment providers meet the requirements and gives us assurance that fumigations are applied correctly.
All methyl bromide fumigation providers need to ensure they are prepared for the new requirements by the 1 May implementation date.
Australia is a signatory to the Montreal Protocol and committed to biosecurity and environmental protection. We acknowledge that methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting gas. By following our new methodology, treatment providers can ensure correct and responsible application of fumigations, reducing wastage and the need for retreatments while upholding the highest standards of biosecurity. Adhering to this methodology will help safeguard the ozone layer and protect Australia's environment.
The methyl bromide fumigation methodology is an internationally recognised standard for the application of methyl bromide. Members of the International Cargo Co-operative Biosecurity Agreement (ICCBA) have endorsed the methodology, harmonising treatment requirements internationally.
