Condition 16 - Mediterranean Fruit Fly: Fumigation

Any host produce originating from an area covered by an Area Freedom Certificate declaring that the area from which the host material originated is known to be free of Mediterranean fruit fly may enter Victoria without restriction, otherwise‐

the entry or importation into Victoria of Mediterranean fruit fly host produce (attachment 1 – MFF and QFF host list), except coffee berries and goji berries, is prohibited unless certified that the produce has been:

1. fumigated with one of the following methyl bromide concentration and fruit core temperature options:
   1. 10°C – 10.9°C   @ 56g/m³ for 2 hours; or
   2. 11°C – 15.9°C   @ 48g/m³ for 2 hours; or
   3. 16°C – 20.9°C   @ 40g/m³ for 2 hours; or
   4. 21°C – 31.9°C @ 32g/m³ for 2 hours; and
2. fumigant loading rates for fruits and vegetables are not less than 30%, nor more than 50%, of the volume of the chamber when empty; and
3. the fumigator ensures produce packaged or covered with impervious materials (such as plastic bags, stacked plastic punnets or waxed paper), are opened, cut or removed to allow adequate penetration of the gas unless impervious materials contain: 
   1. not less than four unobstructed perforations of 6mm diameter per 100cm²; or
   2. five unobstructed perforations of 5mm diameter per 100cm²; or
   3. numerous pinholes (at least 6 holes per square centimetre); and
4. be stored and transported in ‘secure conditions’ which prevent infestation by fruit fly, where
   1. “secure conditions” includes‐
      1. unvented packages; or
      2. vented packages with the vents secured with gauze/mesh with a maximum aperture of 1.6 mm; or
      3. vented packages enclosing a liner bag or liner sheets that obscure vent holes; or
      4. fully enclosed under tarpaulins, hessian, shade cloth, mesh or other covering which provides a maximum aperture of 1.6 mm;
      5. shrink‐wrapped and sealed as a palletised unit; or
      6. fully enclosed or screened buildings, cold rooms, vehicles or other facilities free from gaps or other entry points greater than 1.6 mm; or
5. enters Victoria in accordance with a permit issued by Agriculture Victoria. To apply for a permit visit the Plant biosecurity permit page ..

Caution: Some fruits may be damaged by this treatment. A trial treatment is recommended unless the response of fruits to this treatment is known.

Documentation requirement: PHC, PHAC under ICA‐04, Plant Health Declaration or Permit.

Verification Requirement:

Host material imported into Victoria which is required by to be accompanied by a certificate or declaration, must be –

(a) presented to an Inspector for inspection; or

(b) verified by a person accredited to do so by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.