Plant Export Operations - micor.agriculture.gov.au Workplans... · 15 May 2016 Remove cultivar requirements and ... Bactrocera frauenfeldi Mango fruit ... China and Thailand Integrated

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Plant Export Operations

Work Plan

Australian Citrus Exports to Thailand

Version Number 17

Owner Assistant Secretary, Plant Export Operations Branch

Contact Director, Horticulture Export Program

[email protected]

Availability Internal and External

File No. 2014/46691E

Date Published August 2017

VERSION DATE REVISION DESCRIPTION BY

12 Apr 15 Reviewed and updated DB/AL

13.2 Oct 15 Mixed consignments not permitted under ITCT AL

14 Nov 15 Update name change JL/AL

15 May 2016 Remove cultivar requirements and update name change AG/AL

16 July 2016 Changes to onshore cold treatment requirements and EXDOC

functionality AG/AL

17 August 2017

Changes to requirements for labelling and orchard/block export approval numbers stated on the phytosanitary

certificate DB/GW

Work Plan Australian Citrus Exports to Thailand Date Published Current Version No. Document Owner Page Number

August 2017 17 Horticulture Export Program Page 2 of 26

Contents INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 4

1.1 PERMITTED CITRUS VARIETIES ................................................................................................................................... 4 1.2 MIXED CONSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 IMPORT PERMIT ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 QUARANTINE PESTS AND DISEASES ............................................................................................................................. 4 1.5 FRUIT FLY PFA ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 1.6 FULLER’S ROSE WEEVIL ........................................................................................................................................... 5 1.7 REGISTERED ESTABLISHMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 5 1.8 EXPORT APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................................. 6 1.9 AUDIT .................................................................................................................................................................. 6

2 GROWER RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................... 7 2.1 ORCHARD EXPORT APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................... 7 2.2 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT/ORCHARD CONTROLS ................................................................................................. 7 2.3 METHYL BROMIDE FUMIGATION FOR FULLER’S ROSE WEEVIL .......................................................................................... 8

3 PACKHOUSE/LOAD OUT FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES .........................................................................................10 3.1 EXPORT APPROVAL ............................................................................................................................................... 10 3.2 DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................................................................ 10 3.3 PACKHOUSE INSPECTION ........................................................................................................................................ 10 3.4 PACKAGING AND LABELLING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................. 11 3.5 CONTAINER LOADING ............................................................................................................................................ 11 3.6 TRANSFER CERTIFICATES ........................................................................................................................................ 12 3.7 PACKHOUSE SUSPENSION ....................................................................................................................................... 12

4 COLD TREATMENT .............................................................................................................................................13 4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 13 4.2 COLD TREATMENT SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................. 13 4.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPERATURE RECORDERS AND SENSORS ...................................................................................... 13 4.4 CALIBRATION OF TEMPERATURE SENSORS .................................................................................................................. 14

5 ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT ............................................................................................................................15 5.1 REGISTERED ESTABLISHMENTS AND EXPORT APPROVAL ................................................................................................ 15 5.2 AUDIT AND EXPORT VERIFICATION ............................................................................................................................ 15 5.3 DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................................................................ 15 5.4 PLACEMENT OF TEMPERATURE SENSORS ................................................................................................................... 15 5.5 RECALIBRATION OF TEMPERATURE SENSORS .............................................................................................................. 16 5.6 VERIFICATION OF TREATMENT ................................................................................................................................. 16 5.7 EXDOC CERTIFICATE REQUEST FUNCTIONALITY ......................................................................................................... 17 5.8 LOADING AND STORAGE ......................................................................................................................................... 17 5.9 ON-ARRIVAL INSPECTION BY DOA ........................................................................................................................... 17

6 IN-TRANSIT COLD TREATMENT ..........................................................................................................................19 6.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 19 6.2 MIXED CONSIGNMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 19 6.3 DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................................................................ 19 6.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPERATURE RECORDERS ......................................................................................................... 19 6.5 PLACEMENT OF TEMPERATURE SENSORS ................................................................................................................... 19 6.6 SECURITY AND LOADING ........................................................................................................................................ 20 6.7 VERIFICATION OF TREATMENT ................................................................................................................................. 20 6.8 ON-ARRIVAL INSPECTION BY DOA ........................................................................................................................... 20 6.9 RECALIBRATION ................................................................................................................................................... 20

7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES .................22 7.1 PRE-SEASON REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 22 7.2 COLD TREATMENT SUPERVISION .............................................................................................................................. 22 7.3 PHYTOSANITARY CERTIFICATION AND ADDITIONAL DECLARATIONS .................................................................................. 23

ATTACHMENT 1 QUARANTINE PEST LIST AS LISTED IN THE PROTOCOL FOR THAILAND. ....................................25



INTRODUCTION

All procedures described in this work plan are based on Australian legislative requirements and the formal requirements of the protocol agreed between the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Thailand (DOA) and the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, which details the requirements for exporting citrus to Thailand from approved production states.

The presence of Fuller’s rose weevil (FRW) (Pantomorus cervinus (Syn. Asynonychus cervinus)), Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni), Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the Bactrocera species fruit flies (B. aquilonis, B. frauenfeldi, B. halfordiae, B. jarvisi, B. kraussi and B. neohumeralis) are of major concern to Thailand. The Australian citrus industry must adhere to the following procedures in order to ensure that Australian citrus meet the requirements for export to Thailand. Other pests of quarantine concern also need to be adequately managed (s.2.2.4).

This work plan is not a standalone document and should be read in conjunction with the current protocols available on the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR) database and the Plant Exports Operations Manual (PEOM). These resources are available through the department’s website (agriculture.gov.au).

State Governments are responsible for managing fruit fly in line with the code of practice and notifying the department of fruit fly interceptions and outbreaks within the recognised pest free area (PFA).

http://www.daff.gov.au/



1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

Citrus produced and sourced from the states of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia is permitted to be exported to Thailand.

Growers/orchards, packhouses, treatment and inspection facilities must be export-approved with the department for export to Thailand for citrus.

All fruit presented for export must comply with the Export Control Act 1982, its subordinate orders and Thailand’s import requirements. The department will verify that all requirements specified in the work plan are being complied with and will stipulate corrective actions in the case of non-compliance.

All costs associated with the delivery of this work plan (i.e. Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources inspections, audits and verification, DOA verification and audit visits, etc.) are the responsibility of industry.

1.1 Permitted citrus varieties

1.1.1 Outside a fruit fly PFA

The following citrus fruit from outside a fruit fly PFA are permitted to be exported to Thailand:

Citrus sinensis (Orange)

Citrus reticulata (Mandarin)

Citrus limon (Lemon).

No other species or hybrids of citrus are permitted from outside fruit fly PFA.

1.1.2 Fruit fly PFA

The following citrus fruit from a fruit fly PFA are permitted to be exported to Thailand:

Citrus sinensis (Orange)

Citrus reticulata (Mandarin)

Citrus limon (Lemon)

Citrus reticulata × sinensis (Tangor)

Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit)

Citrus maxima (Pomello)

All commercial citrus hybrid cultivars.

1.2 Mixed consignments

Mixed consignments of different species of fresh fruits undergoing in-transit cold treatment are not permitted by DOA (for example, a consignment consisting of C. sinensis and C. reticulata is not permitted).

1.3 Import permit

A valid import permit issued by DOA is required for each shipment of Australian citrus exported to Thailand and must be presented prior to each phytosanitary inspection. An official translation is required if the permit is not in English.

1.4 Quarantine pests and diseases

Growers, packhouses, load out facilities and exporters are responsible for ensuring that consignments are free from all pests of quarantine concern to Thailand.



The pests in Table 1 are of critical quarantine concern to Thailand.

Table 1 Pests of critical quarantine concern to Thailand

Scientific name Common name

a) Pantomorus cervinus (Syn. Asynonychus cervinus)

Fuller’s rose weevil (FRW)

b) Bactrocera aquilonis Northern Territory fruit fly

c) Bactrocera frauenfeldi Mango fruit fly

d) Bactrocera halfordiae Halfordia fruit fly

e) Bactrocera jarvisi Jarvis’ fruit fly

f) Bactrocera kraussi Krauss’s fruit fly

g) Bactrocera neohumeralis Lesser Queensland fruit fly

h) Bactrocera tryoni Queensland fruit fly

i) Ceratitis capitata Mediterranean fruit fly

Further pests of quarantine concern are specified in Attachment 1.

1.5 Fruit fly PFA

Export of fruit from a defined fruit fly PFA will be by area freedom endorsement on a phytosanitary certificate. Fruit must be moved from a PFA under transfer certificate.

The following defined area in Australia is recognised as an area free for Halfordia fruit fly, Jarvis’ fruit fly, Krauss’s fruit fly, Lesser Queensland fruit fly, Mango fruit fly, Northern Territory fruit fly, Queensland fruit fly and Mediterranean fruit fly:

The Riverland district of South Australia: defined as the following areas: the county of Hamley and the following sub-divisions: Bookpurnong, Cadell, Eba, Fisher, Forster, Gorden, Hay, Holder, Katarapko, Loveday, Markaranka, Moorook, Murbko, Murtho, Nildottie, Paisley, Parcoola, Paringa, Pooginook, Pyap, Ridley, Skurray, Stuart and Waikerie and the Parish of Olney in the Shire of Mildura, Victoria.

1.6 Fuller’s Rose Weevil

Queensland is recognised as free of FRW and is not required to undergo a strict orchard hygiene field management control program for FRW or fumigation.

Export of fruit from orchards or blocks where FRW has been detected must follow the strict orchard hygiene in-field management control program and if ≥ 0.2 FRW per tree is found, consignments are subject to fumigation prior to export.

1.7 Registered establishments

A facility must be a registered establishment with the department:

Export inspections are performed by an authorised officer approved by the department, or containers are loaded.

Onshore cold treatment is performed, and thereafter.

It is the final establishment inside the fruit fly pest free area (PFA), and thereafter.



1.8 Export approval

Growers and packhouses must be export-approved with the department via Citrus Australia Ltd (CAL). Growers and packhouses must apply online using the CAL system by the nominated date as specified in the Industry Advice Notice (IAN) prior to commencement of each season.

Registered crop monitors (RCMs) must register with the department via CAL.

Onshore cold treatment facilities must be registered establishments (s.1.1) and jointly approved for export to Thailand by DOA and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Growers must have an official survey conducted by an RCM to verify orchards have been inspected and found free from pests of quarantine concern (Attachment 1).

1.9 Audit

If the program is suspended by DOA due to interception of a pest of quarantine concern, or any irregularity, the program will remain suspended until the department and DOA are satisfied that the cause of the non-conformity has been identified and suitable corrective measures have been implemented. DOA may order a re-audit.



2 GROWER RESPONSIBILITIES

Growers are responsible for ensuring that their orchards and export fruit meet Thailand’s requirements.

2.1 Orchard export approval

Growers must nominate a packhouse(s) and the orchard blocks that are to be export-approved for Thailand before the nominated date each year (s.1.2). Packhouses must provide the following information for each grower applying for export to Thailand:

details and location of each orchard and block within the orchard clearly identified (i.e. map and corresponding list, row numbers required for clarity)

size of each orchard and block in hectares (ha)

record of the February survey from the RCM

the RCM survey must clearly indicate that the orchards/blocks have been inspected and found free of prohibited pests (s.1.4)

Thailand has a threshold requirement of 0.2 FRW per tree.

Growers must maintain an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The IPM program and surveys are to be conducted in accordance with the Australian citrus to Korea, China and Thailand Integrated Pest Management and packing house controls document issued by CAL. Monthly monitoring must be conducted for all prohibited pests (s.1.4) from December until harvest. The RCM survey must occur in February following the CAL guidelines.

If the grower export application is complete and accurate, the orchards will progress to audit. The full cost of any audit and associated administration by the department will be borne by industry.

All orchards and blocks must have clear boundaries on site to assist auditors to clearly identify each block.

Growers/orchards/blocks that pass audit will be approved for export to Thailand and issued with an export approval number by the department. Any issues during application or audit may result in delays.

2.2 Integrated pest management/orchard controls

2.2.1 General requirements

Australian citrus growers intending to register for export to Thailand are responsible for:

Implementing orchard monitoring, IPM and in-field control procedures.

Maintaining records of orchard hygiene, IPM, and pest control, including spray records.

Undertaking crop monitoring using approved procedures.

2.2.2 Registered Crop Monitor responsibilities

RCMs must conduct an inspection of each orchard to verify the IPM program and assess pest levels. They must forward the results of the crop inspections to the relevant packhouses and grower in accordance with the Australian citrus to Korea, China and Thailand Integrated pest management and packing house controls document.

Packhouses must upload the RCM orchard survey results to the CAL online system by the date specified in the IAN.



2.2.3 Fuller’s rose weevil in-field monitoring programs

Citrus fruit exports to Thailand from all production areas other than those in Queensland must undergo one of the following:

in-field control programs methyl bromide fumigation.

Growers who implement in-field control programs for FRW must carry out a strict in-field management and control program to reduce FRW to low levels.

Growers must undertake full skirting of citrus trees (removing all branches that may touch the ground) and a weed control program to prevent the flightless adult weevils climbing weeds and getting into the trees, and in turn onto the fruit. Growers must document in-field control procedures for FRW.

The in-field control program for FRW must be supplemented by three targeted inspections:

packhouse receival inspection (s.3.3.1)

packhouse in-line or completed consignment inspection (s.3.3.1)

consignment phytosanitary inspection.

2.2.4 Other pests of quarantine concern

Other pests of quarantine concern must be adequately managed by maintaining orchard sanitation and by implementing IPM or other pest control measures.

2.2.5 Notification to the department

Packhouses and growers are responsible for informing the department of the status of orchards and blocks immediately following the detection of any specific pests and diseases of quarantine concern (s.1.4), or any voluntary withdrawals. Notifications must be emailed to the Horticulture Exports Program (HEP) ([email protected]).

2.2.6 Block suspension/mandatory treatment

A grower may suspend their registration at any time, with written notification to the HEP.

If fruit fly is found during the RCM orchard survey, the orchard will be suspended.

If FRW is found at a level ≥ 0.2 weevils per tree during the RCM survey, the orchard/block will be suspended and methyl bromide fumigation must be carried out for all export consignments to Thailand for the remainder of the season.

If pests of quarantine concern other than fruit fly or FRW are found, then those pests should be controlled.

2.3 Methyl bromide fumigation for Fuller’s Rose Weevil

Citrus from production areas where in-field control programs have not occurred (except Queensland), where a level of ≥ 0.2 FRW per tree has been detected or where FRW has been detected at export inspection, must undergo methyl bromide fumigation to be exported to Thailand.

2.3.1 Export approval

Fumigation companies must apply to be export-approved with the department to carry out fumigation of citrus to Thailand. The application must contain the following details:

name of the fumigation company

postal address

telephone, facsimile and other contact details

mailto:[email protected]



names of the owner(s) and managing director

the Australian states in which the fumigation company conducts fumigations

registration number for Thailand.

All export-approved fumigation companies must be audited by DOA and only those approved by DOA are allowed to perform methyl bromide fumigation of citrus for export to Thailand. If DOA detects an inefficient fumigation, DOA will promptly notify the department. DOA may suspend any export-approved fumigation company until the cause has been determined and corrective actions taken to DOA’s satisfaction.

2.3.2 Treatment schedules

The accepted methyl bromide fumigation schedules are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 Methyl bromide fumigation treatment schedules for Fuller’s rose weevil

Temperature Dosage rate

(grams/m3)

Exposure period (hours)

Over 21 °C 32 2

16–21 °C 40 2

11–15 °C 48 2

10 °C 56 2

The loading ratio should not exceed 80% of the chamber volume. Fruit is not to be fumigated if the fruit pulp temperature is less than 10 °C. A fumigation certificate issued by an export-approved fumigation company must be attached to the phytosanitary certificate.

A valid fumigation certificate must be submitted with the Notice of Intention to Export Prescribed Goods / Request for Permit (NOI/RFP) form. Fumigation details must be included on the phytosanitary certificate.

2.3.3 On-arrival inspection by DOA

DOA will inspect consignments and verify documentation on arrival in Thailand to ensure that import requirements have been met. Refer to s.5.9 for further information.



3 PACKHOUSE/LOAD OUT FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Export approval

Participants must complete and sign the export application form verifying their agreement to comply with this work plan.

Packhouses must also process and submit grower export-approved documentation (refer to s.2.1).

Before the commencement of the export season, the department will audit packhouse procedures and documentation including the orchard application. Packhouses that pass audit will be approved for export to Thailand. If packhouses are not a registered establishment the department will issue an export approval number. Any issues during application or audit may result in delays.

The full cost of any audit and associated administration by the department will be borne by industry.

3.2 Documentation

Packhouses must have a documented Standard Operation Procedures manual that describes all processes relating to grading, handling and packing of fruit.

Packhouses are responsible for maintaining a documented system to allow traceability of fruit back to the orchard. Packhouses must record and keep on file the following documentation:

copy of the establishment registration

a list of export-approved orchards (including location details) from which they intend to source citrus

receival / loading records

records relating to implementation of hygiene programs

lists of suspended orchards for the season

records of packhouse receival inspections

RCM records.

3.3 Packhouse inspection

Packhouses must maintain hygienic conditions, including records or evidence of pest/rodent controls, waste removal and regular cleaning of the premises. Before packing, citrus must be culled, washed and sorted to ensure that citrus are free of leaves, soil and other extraneous matter.

An inspection process must be implemented to ensure that citrus exports to Thailand are free of quarantine pests (refer to Australian citrus to Korea, China and Thailand Integrated Pest Management and packing house controls document issued by CAL).

3.3.1 Fuller’s rose weevil inspections

For fruit sourced from orchards using the in-field orchard monitoring programs for FRW, packhouses are responsible for:

Inspecting a minimum of 10 fruit from each bin for FRW at receival.

Conducting an in-line or completed consignment inspection for FRW (600 units) in addition to other pests of concern to Thailand.

Ensuring that product presented for inspection by an authorised officer is free from live FRW.



If live stages of FRW are detected, the fruit must be rejected, or fumigated with methyl bromide at prescribed rates. Fruit that has been fumigated for FRW must be re-presented for an authorised officer inspection with a valid fumigation certificate and any other necessary documentation.

3.4 Packaging and labelling requirements

3.4.1 Packaging requirements

Only new and clean cartons are allowed.

Citrus must be packed for transport in closed containers in one of the following ways:

Fruit within a carton must be enclosed in net bags that are sealed by multiple folds and placed in boxes, net bags or fully wrapped in netting. The diameter of netting holes must be ≤ 1.6 mm.

Fruit can be packed in cartons that are fruit fly proof. All holes, openings or vents in cartons must be covered with netting with holes of ≤1.6 mm.

If palletised or otherwise bundled, the pallet or bundle must be closely covered on six sides with netting of ≤1.6 mm.

Note:

1. Citrus packed for sea freight are exempt from the packing requirements listed above; however, cartons with uncovered holes or vents must be shipped in secure sea freight containers (see section 3.5).

2. Open packages are not permitted to be exported by air freight.

3.4.2 Labelling requirements

If citrus is shipped in loose boxes, the information appearing on each package (printed, not handwritten) must include:

EXPORT TO THAILAND

‘Produce of Australia’

Name of exporting company

Name of fruit (common name)

Packhouse export approval number or export establishment registration number

Orchard approval number for fruit sourced from Queensland

Block approval number for fruit sourced from all other states and territories

However, if citrus is shipped to Thailand in palletised boxes, the following information “EXPORT TO THAILAND” may appear on each side of the pallet instead of on the boxes.

Note: Only one orchard or block is allowed per carton/box.

3.5 Container loading

In fruit fly PFAs, following an AO inspection, fruit must be loaded into shipping containers within the PFA.

Security must be in place to ensure consignments are not exposed to possible infestation or contamination by quarantine pests after inspection.

3.5.1 Air freight

Unpalletised cartons that are secured as loose, individual cartons are permitted to be transported in air freight containers. Each carton must be inspected, packaged and securely sealed in an Australian



Department of Agriculture and Water Resources registered establishment before movement for export.

3.5.2 Sea freight

Loading of fruit will be undertaken at a departmental registered establishment and the loading of containers will be supervised by an Authorised Officer (AO) approved by the department.

Any open sea container vents must be covered with fruit fly proof netting to prevent the entry of pests. Netting with openings of ≤1.6 mm are considered fruit fly proof.

Where fruit is not being loaded into sea containers at the packing establishment, cartons or pallets must be secured before leaving the establishment (and secured under an Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources transfer certificate).

An AO must observe the placement of a unique numbered metal seal on the sea container door and endorse the container and seal number on the accompanying Phytosanitary Certificate. The seal number must also be noted on the ‘Certificate of calibration for in-transit cold treatment in self-refrigerated container for Thailand’.

Container doors are to be sealed by the AO and must not be opened until import inspection in Thailand.

3.6 Transfer certificates

Transfer certificates are required for consignments to be transported between export establishments. A transfer certificate is required for each consignment in the following situations:

transportation (other than in sealed sea freight containers) from the PFA

transportation after treatment

transportation after export inspection.

3.7 Packhouse suspension

Packhouses that fail to meet the above requirements or present fruit with quarantine pests may be suspended and/or subject to additional departmental audits.



4 COLD TREATMENT

4.1 General requirements

These requirements must be read in conjunction with the Plant Export Operations Cold Treatment Standard & Reference Guide, which specifies procedures for calibration etc.

a) Cold treatment is mandatory for all citrus being exported from outside fruit fly PFAs to Thailand.

b) Cold treatment will take place either onshore or in-transit (ITCT).

c) All onshore cold treatments must be supervised by a departmental AO in a cold treatment facility approved by the department and DOA.

d) The container must be inspected by an AO before loading to ensure pest freedom and that any vents are covered to prevent the entry of pests.

e) Temperature recording equipment must meet the requirements described in s4.3.

f) If cold treatment does not meet the required schedule the consignment will be rejected.

g) AOs are responsible for supervision of cold treatment; however, they are not responsible for operating or setting up cold treatment recording systems.

4.2 Cold treatment schedule

The treatment schedules in Tables 2 and 3 apply for onshore or in-transit cold treatment of fruit flies:

Table 2 Cold treatment schedules for oranges and mandarins

Innermost fruit pulp temperature Exposure period

(consecutive days)

2 °C (35.6 °F) or below 18 days or more


Table 3 Cold treatment schedules for lemons

Innermost fruit pulp temperature Exposure period

(consecutive days)



4.3 Requirements for temperature recorders and sensors

Temperature recorders used in onshore and in-transit cold treatment must meet the following requirements:

The recording system comprising the recorder and its associated sensors must be accurate to ±0.3 °C in the range of -3 °C to +3 °C.

Each sensor must be identified with the same number identical to that displayed on the printout produced by the temperature recording system.

Sensors must have an outer sheath diameter of 6.4 mm or less. The sensing unit must be located within the first 25 mm or less of the sensor’s tip.



The system must be capable of automatic operation and be able to accommodate a minimum of four fruit temperature sensors for onshore cold treatment and three for in-transit cold treatment.

The recorder must be capable of continuous recording of date, time, sensor number and temperature during all calibrations and for the duration of treatment period.

The recorder must automatically record temperatures at least hourly with a resolution of 0.1 °C and store data until the information can be examined by an AO.

Recording units must be capable of storing data: identifying each temperature sensor; the time and temperature; the identification number of the cold treatment facility (onshore) or the recording unit(s) and the container number (in-transit). These data sets must be able to be downloaded and viewed in printed form.

4.4 Calibration of temperature sensors

Calibration of the temperature recorder and temperature sensors must occur under the supervision of an AO before each treatment is initiated.

Calibration must be conducted in an ice slurry and distilled water mixture using a certified standard thermometer approved by the department (see Plant Export Operations Manual, Volume 12, Cold Treatment).

If any sensor reads more than ±0.3 °C from 0 °C during the ice slurry recalibration the treatment is considered to have failed and the sensor must be replaced.

For in-transit cold treatment, an AO must enter the calibration readings from all three fruit pulp temperature sensors onto the ‘Certificate of calibration for in-transit cold treatment in self-refrigerated container for Thailand’ (the original form must be attached to the Phytosanitary Certificate accompanying the consignment).



5 ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT

5.1 Registered establishments and export approval

Any facility intending to carry out onshore cold treatment must be a registered establishment, and jointly approved for export to Thailand by DOA and the department. An AO must verify onshore cold treatment and monitor loading of palletised fruit into the cold room.

Participants must complete and sign the export application form verifying their agreement to comply with this work plan. The following details must be provided with the application:

contact details of owner/operator

location and construction plans of all facilities

dimensions of the facility and each cold room capacity

the type of insulation used in the walls, ceilings and floors

the make, model, type, and capacity of the refrigeration condenser and evaporator/ air circulation

the temperature range of the equipment, defrost cycle control, and specifications and details of any integrated temperature-recording equipment.

Air temperature sensors are not used to assess cold treatment efficacy.

Citrus for Thailand can be treated at the same time as fruit destined for other markets in the same cold room provided all conditions for Thailand are met.

5.2 Audit and export verification

As part of the annual export application process, the department will audit the documentation and procedures of onshore treatment facilities. The department and DOA reserve the right to audit documentation and facilities, and to supervise treatment and export procedures. The full cost of audit or treatment supervision by the department and/or DOA will be borne by industry.

5.3 Documentation

Cold treatment facilities are responsible for maintaining a documented system to ensure traceability of fruit from the orchard/block. The following documentation must be recorded and kept on file:

copy of the departmental establishment registration

copy of export approval notification for citrus exports to Thailand

receival /dispatch records for each treatment batch/lot for each cold room

calibration and re-calibration records endorsed by an AO

copy of endorsed treatment records and details of each treatment

maintenance records of all equipment

records of hygiene programs (e.g. baiting and cleaning records).

5.4 Placement of temperature sensors

A departmental authorised officer must supervise the commencement and completion of onshore cold treatment including probe placement.

Fruit must pass inspection prior to the commencement of onshore cold treatment.

Palletised fruit must be loaded into the cold room under the supervision of an AO.



The fruit selected shall be the largest size fruit in the lot. The sensor tip must not extend beyond the fruit. With small fruit, two or more pieces of fruit are to be placed on the sensor. Temperature sensors must be placed in the cold room in the following locations:

A minimum of two air temperature sensors are to be located at the air inlet and outlet locations.

Pulp temperature sensor - one at the centre of the stack, in the centre of the cold room.

Pulp temperature sensor - one at the corner of the top stack, in the centre of the cold room.

Pulp temperature sensor - one at the centre of the stack near the cold air outlet.

Pulp temperature sensor - one at the corner of the top stack near the cold air outlet.

The treatment schedules will commence once all fruit pulp temperature sensors have reached the nominated treatment temperature.

Fruit for export to China and Thailand may be treated concurrently as long as the more stringent cold

treatment schedule is applied and the treatment facility and room are approved for both countries.

5.5 Recalibration of temperature sensors

Sensors must be recalibrated following treatment using the ice slurry calibration process (see s 4.4). The sensors must be recalibrated under the supervision of an AO to ensure accuracy of sensors has been maintained. It is recommended the treatment temperature is maintained and the fruit remain in the treatment room until sensor recalibration has been completed.

If any sensor reads more than ± 0.3 °C from 0 °C during the re-calibration the treatment is considered to have failed and must occur again. The failed sensor/s must be replaced prior to any further treatments and replacement sensors must be calibrated as per s.4.1.3.

If a sensor reads higher than 0 °C but less than +0.3 °C after re-calibration, the treatment is unaffected and is considered complete.

If a sensor reads lower than 0 °C but not below –0.3 °C after recalibration, the treatment records must be adjusted upwards to compensate. If this occurs it is possible the treatment parameters listed in s.4.1.2 have not been met and the treatment failed. There is an option of re-treating the fruit at the discretion of the department and the exporter.

5.6 Verification of treatment

Treatment is considered successful if the records show that the treatment parameters have been met and the sensors have been successfully recalibrated.

The department must endorse printouts of temperature records and suitable data summaries to confirm that a treatment has been successful. These records must be kept for DOA audit. The cold treatment is completed once the treatment records are endorsed by a departmental authorised officer as ‘COMPLETED’.

The treatment facility must keep records of all cartons loaded into each chamber and dispatch records for each cold room for a treatment lot.

A Thailand onshore cold treatment calibration and re-calibration certificate and treatment temperature record must accompany the phytosanitary certificate for the first commercial export consignment from each treatment room each calendar year. Continuation of a failed treatment

If any sensor shows a higher calibration factor at the completion of treatment than the initial calibration setting, the recordings from the sensor(s) may be adjusted. If this adjustment reveals that the treatment schedule was not met, the fruit may be re-treated at the discretion of the department and the exporter.



If the minimum four fruit pulp sensors have been used and a fruit sensor fails to record a temperature for more than four consecutive hours, the treatment may be restarted at the discretion of the department.

If the treatment records reflect failure, the temperature recorder may be reconnected and the treatment continued from the time of recorder reconnection providing that:

An AO examines the final treatment records to ensure the treatment has completed and sensors are successfully recalibrated.

OR

The data recorder begins recording temperatures less than 24 hours after the treatment is considered to have failed, and an AO examines the final treatment records to ensure the treatment has been completed and sensors are successfully recalibrated.

5.7 EXDOC Certificate Request functionality

The department strongly recommends clients utilise EXDOC’s Certificate Request “C” functionality for

the export of onshore cold treated horticulture produce to Thailand.

EXDOC Certificate Request functionality enables the commodity listed in the Request for Permit (RFP),

which has been inspected and treated for export, to be assigned to multiple phytosanitary certificates.

There are specific rules that need to be adhered to when using Certificate Request functionality including ensuring the destination country and exporter are the same for all RFPs

5.8 Loading and storage

Fruit that has been treated, but is not being immediately exported, must be securely stored:

Treated fruit may be stored in the treatment room of the approved treatment provider, providing the treatment rooms doors are sealed; OR

Treated fruit may be moved to another room provided it is moved in a secure manner to prevent possible infestation. The storage room must not contain any untreated fruit. An AO must monitor all movements.

For fruit that is loaded following treatment, fruit must be loaded into the container inside insect proof rooms or with insect proof enclosures in place during loading under the supervision of an AO.

5.9 On-arrival inspection by DOA

All documentation will be checked on arrival before inspection can occur. This includes a Phytosanitary certificate that has been issued with the necessary inclusions (s7.3). All consignments are subject to an import inspection on arrival.

If any live fruit fly or Fuller’s Rose Weevil are found on inspection, the consignment will be re-exported or destroyed at the owner’s expense.

If a fruit fly is found during inspection, DOA will immediately suspend importation. The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water resources shall immediately investigate the cause of the incidence and propose corrective actions. Suspension of import will be lifted when the cause of non-compliance has been clarified and the corrective actions have been implemented to the satisfaction of DOA.

If FRW is found during inspection, the consignment will be re-exported or destroyed at the owner’s expense. The department must not certify citrus fruit from the infested orchards or blocks for export



to Thailand for the rest of the season. Any consignments still in-transit from these non-compliant orchards will not be allowed entry to Thailand.

If live quarantine pests other than fruit fly or Fuller’s rose weevil are found on inspection, the consignment will be re-exported, destroyed or treated at the owner’s expense (limited to cases where pests can be exterminated effectively). DOA may temporarily suspend imports from the identified pathway until a risk assessment of the intercepted pest is completed.



6 IN-TRANSIT COLD TREATMENT

6.1 General requirements

All facilities loading containers for ITCT must be registered establishments with the department.

Fruit intended for in-transit cold treatment must be pre-cooled to or below the target treatment temperature beforehand.

ITCT must be carried out in self-refrigerated (integral) shipping containers and be completed in-transit or it can be completed at destination.

Cold treatment is allowed to be completed on-arrival in Thailand if the treatment fails and is not completed during the voyage. If this occurs, the container must remain on power until a full cold treatment schedule is completed.

An AO must inspect shipping containers for export consignments under ITCT and follow Initiating an in-transit cold treatment for plant exports work instruction.

6.2 Mixed consignments

Mixed consignments of different species of fresh fruits undergoing in-transit cold treatment are not permitted by DOA (for example, a consignment consisting of C. sinensis and C. reticulata is not permitted).

6.3 Documentation

The following documentation must be recorded and kept on file by the loading facility:

copy of the departmental establishment registration

export documentation for each consignment

receival/dispatch records

records of hygiene programs (e.g. baiting and cleaning records).

6.4 Requirements for temperature recorders

Containers must have secure automatic temperature recording equipment to allow confirmation of the fruit pulp temperature during cold treatment (must be accessible from outside the container). Refer to s.4.3 for recorder requirements. The combination of the cold treatment data recorder and associated fruit pulp temperature sensors must also meet the following criteria:

Accommodate a minimum of three fruit pulp temperature sensors and two air sensors.

The data recording system must retain secure data to prevent interference or tampering of temperature data.

Be able to record and store data for the duration of the in-transit treatment and until the information can be retrieved by the shipping company and supplied to DOA.

6.5 Placement of temperature sensors

The placement of the minimum three fruit pulp temperature sensors must take place under the direction and supervision of an AO.

The sensors used to measure pulp temperature must be inserted into the centre of the fruit. The fruit selected shall be the largest size fruit in the lot. The sensor tip must not extend beyond the fruit, or treatment will not be valid. With small fruit it is advisable to place two or more units of fruit on the sensor. A DOA officer will confirm this on inspection in Thailand.



Fruit pulp temperature sensors must be placed in the boxes as below:

Pulp temperature sensor 1 – at mid-height of the stack, on the left side of the container, approximately 1.5 m from the far end of a 12 m (40 ft) container; or approximately 1 m from the far end of a 6 m (20 ft) container.

Pulp temperature sensor 2 - at mid-height of the stack, in the centre of the container. Pulp temperature sensor 3 - at mid-height of the stack, on the right side of the

container, approximately 1.5 m from the door end of a 12 m (40 ft) container; or approximately 1 m from the end door of a 6 m (20 ft) container.

See Figure 1 for a representation of required sensor placement positions.

6.6 Security and loading

Security must be in place to ensure consignments are not exposed to possible infestation or contamination by quarantine pests following departmental inspection. Containers must be loaded under supervision of an AO.

The container is to be loaded so that airflow around the produce inside the container is not restricted, which may affect the readings of the temperature sensors.

Containers must be loaded in a manner to ensure that infestation/contamination by quarantine pests does not occur. Any open container vents must be covered with fruit fly proof mesh to prevent the entry of pests. Mesh or gauze with openings ≤1.6mm is considered acceptable.

For container seal requirements, see section s.3.5.

An AO must supervise placement of a numbered seal on the container. The officer must record the container and seal number. The seal must not be removed until arrival in Thailand where a DOA officer can confirm that the container seal is not broken or replaced, and the seal number matches that on the phytosanitary certificate.

6.7 Verification of treatment

Temperature records from the in-transit cold treated container are to be downloaded by a representative of the shipping company on arrival in Thailand.

The downloaded data file(s) from the container must be sent to the DOA Bangkok office.

The DOA Bangkok office will verify the efficacy of the treatment based on the recordings of the fruit pulp temperature sensors. The treatment is not considered complete until DOA checks the calibration of the fruit pulp sensors and examines the fruit pulp temperature recordings.

6.8 On-arrival inspection by DOA

DOA will inspect consignments and verify documentation on arrival in Thailand to ensure that import requirements have been met. Refer to s.5.9 for further information.

6.9 Recalibration

For recalibration requirements, see s.4.4. If recalibration of the fruit sensors at the end of the treatment displays a higher than initial calibration setting, the recordings from the sensor(s) will be adjusted. If this adjustment reveals that the treatment schedule was not met, the treatment will be deemed failed and the consignment must be destroyed or re-exported at the importer’s expense.



SIDE VIEW

Figure 1 Sensor placement in containers for in-transit cold treatment

Sensor No. 3 Sensor No. 1 Sensor No. 2

DOOR VIEW

No.1

No .3

No.2

TOP VIEW

6 metre (20 foot) container

Sensor No. 3

Sensor

No. 2

Sensor No. 1

1 metre

TOP VIEW

12 metre (40 foot) container

Sensor No. 3

Sensor

No.

Sensor No. 1

1.5 metres



7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES

7.1 Pre-season requirements

7.1.1 Audit

The department will carry out audits each year to ensure compliance for all treatment facilities, packhouses, registered crop monitors and a sample of growers for each packhouse.

If the export program is suspended because of interception of a live pest of quarantine concern, or any irregularity, an audit will be conducted by DOA and/or the department to identify failures in the system. If critical failures are identified, the export entity/entities will be suspended until the system is demonstrated to be fully effective.

Non-compliance with FRW regulations will result in suspension of those components of the pathway from exporting product under the Thailand citrus program.

If a registered crop monitor has been suspended by the department, all growers inspected by that crop monitor may be suspended.

7.1.2 Maintenance of export list

The department will maintain a list of all export-approved growers, packhouses and treatment facilities. The AO must email HEP (s.2.2.5) if any of the specific pests of concern (s.1.4) are detected. HEP will update the export status via the CAL online system to reflect the necessity for treatment (FRW only), withdrawal, or suspension.

7.1.3 Registration

Thirty days before the start of the export season, the department will forward to DOA the list of orchards/block registration numbers for orchards/blocks registered for in-field monitoring programs for FRW.

Before the start of the export season, the department will forward names and addresses of all registered cold treatment facilities and a list of registered fumigation companies for treatment of FRW to DOA. The department will promptly notify DOA of any new registrations, amendments to existing registrations or any cancellations or suspensions.

7.1.4 Communication with DOA

HEP must forward the names and addresses of all export-approved growers, packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities to DOA before the start of the export season.

If requested, the department must provide information to DOA on the management program undertaken for citrus throughout the growing season.

The department must inform DOA immediately if any fruit fly outbreak is confirmed in an area, if there is any suspension of area freedom, and reinstatement dates. This includes any species of fruit fly of economic importance other than those listed in Attachment 1.

7.2 Cold treatment supervision

The department will supervise those aspects of onshore and in-transit cold treatment, as detailed in sections s.5 and s.6 respectively. Key points are:

calibration of probes and production of records probe placement treatment verification and recalibration (onshore cold treatment only) verification of loading and security.



7.2.1 Export inspection

The purpose of the department‘s export inspection is to ensure that each consignment meets the Australian legislative requirements and Thailand’s import requirements.

AOs will inspect a sample in accordance with the PEOM, consisting of 600 units or 2% of the completed consignment presented for inspection.

During inspection, 10% of sampled fruits will have the calyx (button) lifted to inspect for pests, especially egg masses, and other quarantine pests of concern to Thailand. For some varieties, the navel end of the fruit also requires close inspection for pests.

All pests of quarantine concern listed in Attachment 1 will be targeted specifically and results recorded by the AO performing the inspection. The AO must ensure that fruit is free from FRW during the end point phytosanitary inspection.

7.2.2 Rejection criteria

If non-compliance occurs three times (or once for FRW detection) for an approved orchard DOA will notify the department. Certification of citrus fruit to Thailand from the approved orchard will be suspended for the rest of the export season.

7.2.3 Detection of live fruit flies

If live quarantine fruit flies (s.1.4) are found during inspection, the entire consignment will be rejected. No reconditioning is permitted.

For consignments treated onshore, the treatment lot will be rejected. The treatment facility operations will be suspended until the cause of the failure has been investigated. Suspended onshore cold treatment facilities will only be reinstated to the export program once DOA and the department are satisfied the cause of the non-conformance has been identified and suitable corrective measures have been implemented.

7.2.4 Detection of Fuller’s rose weevil

If any FRW is found, the consignment must be rejected for export to Thailand. No reconditioning is permitted. Fruit originating from the orchard or block will be subject to ongoing fumigation for export for the rest of the season, and the department will audit the FRW control program.

7.2.5 Detection of other pests of quarantine concern

If live pests of quarantine concern, other than fruit fly or FRW are detected, the consignment presented on the phytosanitary certificate will be rejected. The consignment can be exported after appropriate treatment or reconditioning, and following successful re-inspection.

7.2.6 Reconditioning (where allowed)

Reconditioning of rejected consignments may be considered. The type of reconditioning is at the exporter’s discretion; however, the reconditioning method chosen must suitably address the quarantine risk and biology of the pest.

Reconditioned consignments intended for export to Thailand must be re-presented for inspection in accordance with the Export Control (Plants and Plant Products) Order 2011. Details of goods being resubmitted must be provided in writing and include corrective measures taken to ensure they meet export requirements.

7.3 Phytosanitary certification and additional declarations

For sea and air freight shipments, both the container and seal numbers must be recorded on the phytosanitary certificate. Air freighted consignments should have the flight number, if known, included on the phytosanitary certificate.

The phytosanitary certificate must also contain:



Orchard or block export approval number under item 12 (Distinguishing marks and Container nos.). This must be entered into the “shipping marks” section of the EXDOC Request For Permit (RFP) and be in the following format:

for fruit sourced from Queensland:

ORCHARD: XXXX

for fruit sourced from all other states or territories:

BLOCK: XXXX-XX

Import permit number /reference.

The common name of the citrus.

Where methyl bromide fumigation is used, details of the fumigation and a fumigation certificate issued by the registered fumigation company.

If the consignment has been cold treated onshore the following information must be inserted into the DISINFESTATION AND/OR DISINFECTION TREATMENT section of the phytosanitary certificate:

o treatment temperature

o duration (number of consecutive days).

For onshore cold treatment, the name and number of the registered establishment and room number where onshore cold treatment was conducted must be entered in the ‘Lot number’ field (a free text field) of the EXDOC Request For Permit (RFP) and be in the example format of: ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT AT REGISTERED ESTABLISHMENT NAME / REGISTERED ESTABLISMENT NUMBER – TREATMENT ROOM NUMBER. For example, ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT AT ABC FREIGHT / 9999-1.

A Thailand onshore cold treatment calibration and re-calibration certificate and treatment temperature record must accompany the phytosanitary certificate for the first commercial export consignment from each treatment room each calendar year.

Where in-transit cold treatment is used, the original ‘Certificate of calibration for in-transit cold treatment in self-refrigerated container’.

Container seal number (for sea freight).

Additional declarations must be included as stated on the department’s MICoR database: http://micor.agriculture.gov.au/Plants/pages/default.aspx.

http://micor.agriculture.gov.au/Plants/pages/default.aspx



Attachment 1 Quarantine pest list as listed in the protocol for Thailand.


Insects

Order Coleoptera

Family Curculionidae

Pantomorus cervinus (Syn. Asynonychus cervinus)

Fuller’s rose weevil (FRW)

Neomerimnetes sobrinus Citrus fruit weevil

Maleuterpes spinipes Spinelegged citrus weevil

Family Nitidulidae

Carpophilus humeralis Pineapple sap beetle

Order Diptera

Family Tephritidae

Bactrocera aquilonis Northern Territory fruit fly

Bactrocera frauenfeldi Mango fruit fly

Bactrocera halfordiae Halfordia fruit fly

Bactrocera jarvisi Jarvis’s fruit fly

Bactrocera kraussi Krauss’s fruit fly

Bactrocera neohumeralis Lesser Queensland fruit fly

Bactrocera tryoni Queensland fruit fly

Ceratitis capitata Mediterranean fruit fly

Order Hemiptera

Family Aleyrodidae

Orchamoplatus citri Australian citrus whitefly

Family Coccidae

Ceroplastes destructor White wax scale

Ceroplastes sinensis Hard wax scale

Coccus pseudomagnoliarum Citricola scale

Parthenolecanium corni European fruit lecanium

Parthenolecanium persicae Peach scale

Pulvinaria polygonata Cottony citrus scale

Family Diaspidae

Aspidiotus nerii Aucuba scale

Family Pseudococcidae

Rastrococcus truncatispinus Rastrococcus mealybug

Order Lepidoptera

Family Pyralidae

Cryptoblabes adoceta Sorghum head caterpillar

Family Torticidae

Epiphyas postvittana Light brown apple moth

Isotenes miserana Orange fruit borer




Order Thysanoptera

Family Thripidae

Chaetanaphothrips orchidii Citrus rust thrips

Limothrips cerealium Thrips

Megalurothrips kellyanus Megalurothrips

Scirtothrips albomaculatus Scirtothrips

Mites

Family Eriophyidae

Tegolophus australis Brown citrus rust mite

Family Tenuipalpidae

Brevipalpus lewisi Citrus flat mite

Brevipalpus obovatus Scarlet tea mite

Panonychus ulmi European red spider mite

Plant pathogens

Fungi

Mycosphaerella citri Greasy spot

Phoma glomerata Phoma blight

Phytophthora boehmeriae Ramie leaf spot

Phytophthora citricola Black hop root rot

Phytophthora hiberanalis Brown rot

Septoria citri Septoria spot

Bacteria

Pseudomonas viridiflava Bacterial leaf blight of tomato

Documents

Plant Export Operations - micor.agriculture.gov.au Workplans... · 15 May 2016 Remove cultivar requirements and ... Bactrocera frauenfeldi Mango fruit ... China and Thailand Integrated