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  5. 6/2014—In-transit fumigation of ship cargoes

6/2014—In-transit fumigation of ship cargoes

Advising shippers, agents, charterers, fumigators, ship owners and ships Masters and crews of the requirements, under Australian jurisdiction, for ships involved in the activity of in-transit fumigation of cargoes.

In-transit fumigation of a cargo may be considered by some coastal States as a means of complying with the phytosanitary requirements to prevent the spread of pests and insects. For commercial reasons In-transit fumigation may be utilised to prevent infestation and contamination of, or damage to, cargoes of human and animal grade foodstuffs.

Persons contemplating in-transit fumigation of cargoes in Australian jurisdiction are advised that both the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) have a role in this process. Any person or organisation contemplating conducting in-transit fumigation of a cargo are reminded that a written Permit from APVMA is required prior to any in-transit fumigation taking place. This Permit should be preceded by arranging to meet the requirements of both AMSA and the APVMA.

The requirements of both AMSA and APVMA for conducting in-transit fumigation of cargoes are available from the respective authorities. Persons or organisations contemplating the in-transit fumigation process are encouraged to contact both authorities well in advance of the intended shipment dates to ensure that both AMSA and APVMA requirements are satisfied in good time. Contact details for both authorities are provided below.

Persons and organisations considering the in-transit fumigation process are further advised that there may be additional requirements, above and beyond those of AMSA and the APVMA, by State / Territory regulators and the Flag State of the vessel that may need to be satisfied.

Persons and organisations involved in the in-transit fumigation process are reminded that routine ship inspections conducted by AMSA Surveyors include verifying compliance with in-transit fumigation requirements where relevant. Additionally, ships Masters are advised that AMSA may take action in regard to unsafe or inadequate arrangements. These actions may include requiring corrective actions being undertaken before the vessel can proceed to sea.

Download In-transit fumigation of ship cargoes—marine notice 06/2014 (PDF 58 KB) (PDF 57.87 KB)


AMSA contact officer:

The Manager, Ship Inspection and Registration
Ship Safety Division
Australian Maritime Safety Authority 
82 Northbourne Avenue
Braddon, ACT, 2612
dangerousgoods@amsa.gov.au


APVMA contact officer:

Director, Permits
Registration Management
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)
GPO Box 3262
Sydney NSW 2001
enquiries@apvma.gov.au

Toby Stone
Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer
March 2014

Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Last updated: 

Friday 21 April 2023