work plan australian citrus and table grape exports to japan workplans/japan... · 1.5 quarantine...

© Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Not to be reproduced without permission.

Plant Export Operations

Work Plan

Australian Citrus and Table

Grape Exports to Japan

Version Number 14.3

Owner Assistant Secretary, Plant Export Operations

Contact Director, Horticulture Export Program

[email protected]

Availability Internal and External File No. 2014/46691E Date Published January 2017

ISSUE/REV DATE REVISION DESCRIPTION BY

13 Nov 2015 Introduction of External Authorised Officers into Protocol Markets AG/AL

14 Feb 2016 Clarification and revision of ITCT probe placements AL

14.1 April 2016 Clarification on section 4.3 table 3 AL/AG

14.2 July 2016 Clarification on container seal AG/AL

14.3 January 2017 Container seal amended to reflect new seal type PI

Australian Citrus and Table Grape exports to Japan work plan Date Published Current Version Number Document Owner Page Number July 2016 14.2 Plant Export Operations of 20

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 3

1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 4

1.1 Registered establishments ................................................................................................................................. 4

1.2 Export approval ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

1.3 Citrus varieties permitted export under PFA ............................................................................................. 4 1.4 Citrus and table grape varieties permitted export under the cold treatment pathway ........... 5

1.5 Quarantine pests and diseases ......................................................................................................................... 5

2 FRUIT FLY PEST FREE AREA ................................................................................. 6

2.1 PFAs in Australia .................................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Registered establishments and export approval ...................................................................................... 6

2.3 Audit and export verification ............................................................................................................................ 6

2.4 Security and movement....................................................................................................................................... 6

2.5 Transfer certificates .............................................................................................................................................. 6 2.6 Outbreak and suspension ................................................................................................................................... 7

2.7 Reinstatement of PFA ........................................................................................................................................... 7

2.8 On-arrival inspection by MAFF ........................................................................................................................ 7

3 PACKHOUSE RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................... 8

3.1 Packaging and labelling requirements .......................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Transfer certificates .............................................................................................................................................. 9

4 COLD TREATMENT ................................................................................................. 10

4.1 General requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Pre-cooling ............................................................................................................................................................. 10

4.3 Cold treatment schedules ................................................................................................................................ 11

5 ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT ............................................................................ 12

5.1 Registered establishments and export approved .................................................................................. 12

5.2 Audit and export verification ......................................................................................................................... 12

5.3 Documentation..................................................................................................................................................... 12

5.4 Placement of temperature sensors .............................................................................................................. 12 5.5 Verification of treatment ................................................................................................................................. 13

5.6 Continuation of a failed treatment ............................................................................................................... 13

5.7 Security and loading .......................................................................................................................................... 13

5.8 On-arrival inspection by MAFF ..................................................................................................................... 13

6 IN-TRANSIT COLD TREATMENT ........................................................................ 14

6.1 General requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 14

6.2 Documentation..................................................................................................................................................... 14

6.3 Requirements for temperature recorders ................................................................................................ 14

6.4 Calibration of temperature sensors ............................................................................................................ 15

6.5 Placement of temperature sensors .............................................................................................................. 16

6.6 Security and loading .......................................................................................................................................... 16

6.7 Shipping company responsibilities ............................................................................................................. 17

6.8 On-arrival inspection by MAFF ..................................................................................................................... 17

7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT .................................................... 18

7.1 Pre-season requirements ................................................................................................................................ 18

7.2 Cold treatment supervision ............................................................................................................................ 18

7.3 Export inspection ................................................................................................................................................ 18

7.4 Export certification ............................................................................................................................................ 19


INTRODUCTION All procedures described in this work plan are based on Australian legislative requirements and the quarantine requirements of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) for the export of Australian citrus and table grapes. The purpose of this work plan is to ensure each consignment meets the requirements for the export of citrus and table grapes from Australia to Japan.

There are three systems that are approved by MAFF to export Australian citrus and table grapes;

1. Fruit fly pest free area (PFA [citrus only]): Inspection by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department); commodity security arrangements; and MAFF inspection on arrival in Japan.

2. Onshore cold treatment: Supervised and inspected by the department and/or MAFF; commodity security arrangements; and MAFF inspection on arrival in Japan.

3. In-transit cold treatment: Inspection by an authorised officer approved by the department, including verification of the container and treatment commencement; verification of completion of treatment by the department; and MAFF inspection on arrival in Japan.

All citrus for export to Japan produced outside of the approved PFA must undergo cold treatment.

All table grapes being exported to Japan must undergo cold treatment. MAFF does not recognise the Riverland PFA for the export of Australian table grapes.

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 (www.agriculture.gov.au)

All costs associated with the delivery of this work plan (i.e. MAFF verification visits, departmental audit, inspection and verification etc.) are the responsibility of industry.

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/


1 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

All citrus and table grapes presented for export must comply with the Export Control Act 1982, its subordinate orders and Japan’s import requirements.

The department will verify that all requirements specified in the work plan are being complied with.

If the program is suspended by MAFF, the program will remain suspended until MAFF and the department are satisfied the cause of the non-conformance has been identified, and suitable corrective measures have been implemented.

1.1 Registered establishments

All facilities must be a registered establishment and meet the requirements of the the Export Control Act 1982 and its subordinate orders when:

it is the final establishment inside the PFA, and thereafter

export inspections are performed by the department, or containers are loaded

onshore cold treatment is performed, and thereafter.

1.2 Export approval

1.2.1 Citrus

The following citrus export entities must be export-approved by the department through Citrus Australia Ltd (CAL):

growers and packhouses within the PFA

onshore cold treatment facilities.

Application forms are to be sent to CAL or entered into the online database by the nominated date as specified in the Industry Advice Notice (IAN).

1.2.2 Table grapes

For table grape exports, all onshore cold treatment facilities must be export-approved by the department through the Australian Table Grape Association (ATGA). Application forms are to be sent to ATGA by the date specified in the IAN.

1.3 Citrus varieties permitted export under PFA

All citrus fruit species (Citrus spp.) are permitted export to Japan from the PFA. MAFF does not permit fruit from closely related genera (i.e. Fortunella spp., Poncirus spp., Clymenia spp., etc.).


1.4 Citrus and table grape varieties permitted export under the cold treatment pathway

Only fresh citrus and table grapes of the following varieties are permitted to be exported to Japan subject to cold treatment.

Table 1. Permitted citrus

1.4.1.1.1.1 Common name for phytosanitary certificate 1.4.1.1.1.2 Botanical name for phytosanitary certificate

Valencia Citrus sinensis Washington Navel Citrus sinensis Cara Cara* Citrus sinensis Imperial Citrus reticulata Murcott Citrus reticulata Ellendale Citrus reticulata Minneola Citrus reticulata x Citrus paradisi

Lemon Citrus limon, Citrus meyeri

Grapefruit Citrus paradisi

Table 2. Permitted table grapes

1.4.1.1.1.3 Common name for phytosanitary certificate 1.4.1.1.1.4 Botanical name for phytosanitary certificate

Crimson Seedless Vitis vinifera Thompson Seedless Vitis vinifera Red Globe Vitis vinifera

* Under the cold treatment export pathway, Cara caras are the only hybrid permitted by MAFF at this time. Cara caras must be entered as “Washington Navel” on documentation. No other hybrids (e.g. Oroblanco) or types of citrus or table grapes are permitted under cold treatment.

The variety is to be clearly stated on the appropriate documentation (e.g. phytosanitary certificate, transfer certificate, delivery docket, invoice, etc.).

1.5 Quarantine pests and diseases

MAFF considers all pests and diseases to be of quarantine concern unless they are specified in the non-quarantine pest list available on the MAFF website (pps.go.jp/english/ – refer to “Non-quarantine pest list”). Any pest or disease not specifically listed on the non-quarantine list is deemed by Japan to be of quarantine concern.

All pest or disease detections must be identified to species level where applicable. All unidentifiable specimens or specimens identifiable only to genus level where an actual species is listed will be considered a quarantine pest.

http://www.pps.go.jp/english/


2 FRUIT FLY PEST FREE AREA

Only citrus can be exported under PFA to Japan. All table grape exports must undergo cold treatment (s.4).

2.1 PFAs in Australia

Only citrus sourced from the following areas are permitted by MAFF to be exported to Japan under PFA.

Riverland defined as the following areas:

(i) State of South Australia:

(a) the County of Hamley

(b) the following geographic sub-divisions:

Bookpurnong, Cadell, Eba, Fisher, Forster, Gordon, Hay, Holder, Katarapko, Loveday, Markaranka, Moorook, Murbko, Murtho, Nildottie, Paisley, Parcoola, Paringa, Pooginook, Pyap, Ridley, Skurray, Stuart and Waikerie

(ii) State of Victoria: Parish of Olney in the Shire of Mildura.

Fruit sourced outside these areas must undergo cold treatment (s.4).

In the case of a fruit fly outbreak, fruit sourced from the suspension zone may be exported but must undergo cold treatment. Only certain citrus varieties are permitted by MAFF to be exported to Japan under cold treatment (s.1.4).

2.2 Registered establishments and export approval

Refer to s.1.1 for information on registered establishments.

PFA grower and packhouse participants must complete and sign the export application form verifying their agreement to comply with this work plan.

2.3 Audit and export verification

As part of the annual export application process the department may audit the documentation and procedures of PFA growers and packhouses. MAFF and the department reserve the right to audit facilities, documentation and export procedures. The full cost of audit by the department and/or MAFF will be borne by industry.

2.4 Security and movement

Fruit must be packaged (s.3.1), loaded and sealed in the PFA. Consignments can be transported by Pantech vehicles. The use of tarpaulins or tautliner type transport is not considered to be secure from fruit fly infestation.

2.5 Transfer certificates

A transfer certificate is required for each consignment before transportation (other than in sealed sea freight containers) from the PFA.


2.6 Outbreak and suspension

An outbreak is declared and PFA certification must be suspended for exports to Japan when:

3 or more male Mediterranean fruit flies are trapped within an area of 1 km in 14 days; or

5 or more male Queensland fruit flies are trapped within a 1km radius in 14 days; or

1 gravid female is trapped; or

1 larva is found in fruit.

As stipulated in MAFF’s protocol, State Departments must undertake emergency surveys and send monthly outbreak reports to the Horticulture Exports Program Canberra (HEP),.

2.6.1 Suspension zones

A 15 km radius suspension zone must be implemented around the fruit fly discovery point for a period of one generation and 28 days, or twelve weeks after the last detection, whichever is longer.

This suspension zone is extended to an area of 30 km radius if one or more Mediterranean fruit fly or Queensland fruit fly is discovered between 1–3 km from the initial discovery point.

The department and State departments will suspend PFA certification for the fruits produced from the outbreak site.

2.7 Reinstatement of PFA

When no prohibited fruit flies have been detected during the suspension period, reinstatement of the PFA will be negotiated between MAFF and the department.

2.8 On-arrival inspection by MAFF

MAFF will inspect consignments and verify documentation on arrival in Japan to ensure that import requirements have been met. Refer to s.6.8 for further information.


3 PACKHOUSE RESPONSIBILITIES

Packhouses may need to be registered establishments (refer to s.1.1).

Refer to s.2 for further information on packhouses within the PFA.

3.1 Packaging and labelling requirements

Packages must be new and clean.

MAFF has specific labelling requirements that must be strictly adhered to. Any variation will not be accepted unless prior approval has been provided by MAFF.

Each package must be labelled. Labelling must be placed in an easily visible location and be clear and easy to read.

In the case of onshore cold treatment, labels on packages and/or pallets must include treatment lot details.

The destination must be placed on all packages exported to Japan. For palletised product, the destination may instead be placed on all four sides of the pallet. The following styles* are approved by MAFF:

FOR JAPAN; or 日本向

Note*: The style and format (i.e. capitalisation of font and layout) of the labelling must be followed exactly otherwise consignments will not be authorised by the department. Failure to meet these requirements will result in rejection in Japan.

3.1.1 Fruit fly PFA

Each package must be labelled to enable traceability to the State and township (i.e. Loxton, Renmark, etc.).

3.1.2 Air freight consignments

For air freight consignments, labels must be placed on each carton. Packages must be secure from fruit fly infestation following onshore cold treatment.

Each carton must include a label or sticker to indicate completion of export measures. The following style is approved by MAFF:

PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA

3.1.3 Sea freight containers

Containerised sea freight consignments do not require each package to be labelled with “PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA”; however, the container must be sealed with a AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT bullet seal (Fig. 1). These seals must be issued by the department and will state “AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT”. Other types/styles of container seal are not permitted to be used.


Figure 1 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT container seal

3.2 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.


4 COLD TREATMENT

4.1 General requirements

These requirements must be read in conjunction with the Plant Export Operations Cold treatment for plant exports - instructional guide and Initiating an in-transit cold treatment for plant exports – work instruction which specifies procedures for calibration etc.

a) Cold treatment is mandatory for all table grapes exported to Japan. Cold treatment is mandatory for citrus exported to Japan outside the approved PFA.

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

c) Onshore cold treatments must be supervised by an authorised officer and/or a MAFF preclearance officer. All airfreight shipments must undergo onshore treatment (except for citrus exports from the PFA).

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

e) A minimum of four fruit pulp temperature sensors is required for onshore cold treatment. A minimum of three fruit pulp temperature sensors is required for ITCT.

f) Temperature recording equipment must meet the requirements described in the protocol

g) Sensors must be calibrated immediately prior to treatment. All cold treatments must be completed within 30 days of the date of sensor calibrations and maintain a precision of ± 0.1°C during this period.

h) Record temperature data to 0.1°C units.

i) Recording units must be capable of storing data: identifying each temperature sensor; the time and temperature; the identification number of the recording unit(s) and the container number. These data must be able to be downloaded and viewed in printed form.

j) ITCT data must be emailed to the National Documentation Hub (NDH), Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and be readable using Logview or Starview software.

k) Authorised officers are responsible for supervision of cold treatment; however they are not responsible for operating or setting up cold treatment recording systems.

l) Before the start of cold treatment, exporters must nominate to the authorised officer the proposed cold treatment schedule.

m) ITCT must be started in Australia and completed before arrival in Japan.

n) The NDH is to be advised should a temperature reading exceed the relevant treatment temperature , or a sensor is giving incorrect readings during treatment. The department and/or MAFF will nominate the preferred course of action.

Note: MAFF has temperature and data recording requirements that must be strictly adhered to. Any non-confirmity will usually result in rejection of the consignment.

4.2 Pre-cooling

Fruit must be pre-cooled to/below the nominated treatment temperature before the start of treatment. The departmental officer will confirm preliminary cooling by testing randomly selected fruit.


4.3 Cold treatment schedules

Citrus and table grape consignments undergoing cold treatment must meet the following treatment parameters.

Table 3. Cold treatment parameters for sweet oranges (Valencia, Washington Navel and Cara Cara varieties) and mandarins (Imperials, Ellendales, Murcotts and Minneolas).

Fruit pulp temperature (°C) Exposure period (consecutive days) 1.0°C or below 16 2.1°C or below 18 3.1°C or below 20

Table 4. Cold treatment parameters for Lemons


Table 5. Cold treatment parameters for Grapefruit

Fruit pulp temperature (°C) Exposure period (consecutive days) 2.0°C or below 18 3.0°C or below 20

Table 6. Cold treatment parameters for Table Grapes (Crimson Seedless, Thompson Seedless and Red Globe)


Only the fruit pulp temperature is used to record temperature during cold treatment. Air temperature sensors are not used.

If commodities with two different treatment parameters are shipped together, the treatment with more stringent parameters must be applied (e.g. If Washington Navels and Grapefruit are shipped together, treatment must be 2.0°C or below for 18 days).


5 ONSHORE COLD TREATMENT

5.1 Registered establishments and export approved

All facilities intending to carry out onshore cold treatment must be a registered establishment, and jointly approved for export to Japan by MAFF and the department

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

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. MAFF and the department 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 MAFF will be borne by industry.

5.3 Documentation

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

copy of the establishment registration

copy of the export application form for citrus or table grapes to Japan

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

calibration and re-calibration records endorsed by the department

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 minimum of six temperature sensors are used during onshore cold treatment: four fruit pulp temperature sensors and two air temperature sensors.

The four fruit pulp temperature sensors must be placed in the following locations under supervision of a departmental officer.

one at the centre of the stack, in the centre of the cold room

one at the corner of the top stack, in the centre of the cold room

one at the centre of the stack near the cold air outlet

one at the corner of the stack near the cold air outlet.

The two air temperature sensors are to be located at the air inlet and air outlet locations.

The treatment will commence once fruit sensors have reached the nominated temperature with initial readings recorded by the departmental officer.


5.5 Verification of treatment

The departmental officer will supervise and record probe recalibration and review a copy of the data download printouts to ensure the treatment schedule listed in s.4.3 has been met before treatment ceases. Printouts must be retained for audit purposes.

It is recommended the treatment temperature is maintained until an authorised officer approved by the department confirms the treatment schedule has been met, with any correction factors applied.

Data download printouts are to be signed, stamped and endorsed as “COMPLETED” by the authorised officer.

5.6 Continuation of a failed treatment

If the temperature during the treatment rises above the parameters specified in s.4.3, the exporter can choose to re-commence and continue treatment until the correct parameters are met. The elapsed time between treatment cessation and recommencement must be less than 24 hours.

If the treatment fails because of a malfunctioning sensor, the faulty sensor must be replaced and the treatment re-started under supervision of an authorisedofficer approved by the department.

5.7 Security and loading

Fruit that has been successfully treated must be secured at all times to ensure it is not exposed to possible infestation. Containers must be loaded under supervision of an authorised officer approved by the department.

Fruit must be loaded within an insect proof building or using an insect-proof enclosure between the cool room entrance and the container. Any openings within insect proof buildings/structures or containers must be less than 1.6mm.

A knockdown insecticide will be used at any applicable time during loading, or as directed by an authorised officer.

5.7.1 Air freight

Due to the difficulties in maintaining security of Unit Loading Devices (ULDs), cookie sheets or flat pallets, each individual carton must be treated as a “package”. All air freighted cartons must be fruit fly secure before leaving the treatment facility in either:

sealed cartons; or

vented cartons with mesh or gauze with openings ≤1.6mm.

5.7.2 Sea freight

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.

An authorised officer approved by the department must supervise loading and placement of the AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT bullet seal (Fig. 1) on the container. The officer must record the container and seal number.


MAFF will inspect consignments and verify documentation on arrival in Japan to ensure that import requirements have been met. Refer to s.6.8 for further information.


6 IN-TRANSIT COLD TREATMENT

All exporters and shipping companies involved must understand the in-transit cold treatment (ITCT) process to enable the NDH to receive original documents and treatment data.

6.1 General requirements

All facilities loading containers for ITCT must be registered establishments with the department. Shipping containers must be inspected and approved for export.

Export registered establishments that require container seals for the export of citrus and table grapes to Japan can now order seals through the department’s North East Export Meat Staff Resources Unit in Brisbane ([email protected], phone (07) 3637 7737).

Japan container seals are an official seal and it is a departmental requirement that seals are: stored in a locked cabinet; and only to be used by the registered establishment that ordered the seals for the purpose of sealing containers for export to Japan. Each establishment must maintain a register or record of seal usage to show use of seals including the date, container number, RFP number and authorised officer details.

Departmental offices will keep a small number of seals to service ad hoc requests for seals from authorised officers.

It is the exporter’s responsibility to ensure that ITCT is carried out in self refrigerated (integral) USDA-approved shipping containers. HEP provides a list of USDA-approved shipping containers to MAFF at the start of each export season.

Treatment will start in Australia and must be completed before arrival at the port in Japan.

6.2 Documentation

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

copy of the establishment registration

calibration record endorsed by the department (or electronic copy from PEMS)

export documentation for each consignment

receival/dispatch records (including date and time of container loading)

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

6.3 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.4.1 for recorder requirements. The combination of the cold treatment data recorders and associated fruit pulp temperature sensors must also meet the following criteria:

accommodate a minimum of three fruit pulp temperature sensors

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

raw data be retrieved by the shipping company in the original, secure form and emailed to NDH ([email protected]). The email subject line must state “ITCT – [Vessel name] – Completed CT containers”.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


6.4 Calibration of temperature sensors

Refer to Plant Export Operations Cold treatment for plant exports - instructional guide and Initiating an in-transit cold treatment for plant exports – work instruction.

Calibration of the fruit pulp temperature sensors must occur immediately prior to treatment.

An authorised officer approved by the department must enter the calibration readings from all three fruit pulp temperature sensors onto the calibration record specifically used for Japan.


6.5 Placement of temperature sensors

All fruit pulp temperature sensors are to be placed under supervision of an authorised officer approved by the department.

The consignment cannot be loaded and/or the container cannot be closed and sealed if the fruit pulp temperatures do not meet the temperature requirements in s.4.3.

In a 20 or 40 foot container the sensors must be placed in the following locations (Fig. 2):

1st row, 0.5 metres down from top of the pallet, 0.5 metres in from right hand side

middle row, carton closest to centre of the container

2nd last row, 0.5 metres up from base of the pallet, 0.5 metres in from left hand side.

Figure 2. Placement of fruit pulp temperature sensors for in-transit cold treatment

Note: Top view of a 40ft container (A); Side view of a 40ft container (B)

Sensors for trays must be placed in the equivalent position as cartons, and/or as agreed between MAFF/departmental inspectors.

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 inspection. Containers must be loaded under supervision of an authorised officer approved by the department.

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.


A knockdown insecticide will be used at any applicable time during loading, or as directed by an authorised officer approved by the department.

An authorised officer approved by the department must supervise loading and placement of the AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT bullet seal (Fig 1)on the container. The officer must record the container and seal number (do not include the letter “A” prefix for the bolt seal, only the number).

6.7 Shipping company responsibilities

Shipping companies are required to send vessel summary reports at the beginning of each week to the NDH by email ([email protected]). The email subject line must state “ITCT – [Vessel name] – Summary report”. This information should include all container numbers, the vessel’s departure date and estimated time of arrival at each port. The NDH must be advised of any concerns (e.g. documentation, loading, treatment, data inconsistencies) as soon as possible.

Before/on-arrival in Japan, treatment data for each container are to be downloaded by the shipping company. Shipping companies are responsible for checking that the data are complete before emailing to the NDH.

Early notification to the NDH allows for planning and efficient certification. The NDH cannot guarantee same day clearance.

Data files must be readable using Logview or Starview software. If treatment data are not readable using these programs, the NDH cannot provide certification.

The NDH will verify the completion of treatment. The treatment is not complete until the department verifies that the consignment meets the cold treatment schedule (s.4.3) and has endorsed the phytosanitary certificate.

If the cold treatment schedule has not been met, the shipping company must provide credible evidence of the failure to assist in resolution with MAFF.


MAFF will inspect consignments and verify documentation on arrival in Japan to ensure that import requirements have been met. A consignment will be held and/or rejected by MAFF if:

it arrives without a phytosanitary certificate or calibration record, or the documents are inaccurate; or

the security of the package is compromised (i.e. damaged, ripped or opened); or

a container seal is missing or does not match the number on the phytosanitary certificate; or

package labeling (stating “PLANT QUARANTINE AUSTRALIA” and/or “FOR JAPAN”) is missing or incorrect; or

a pest not identifiable as a non-quarantine pest is detected.


7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT

7.1 Pre-season requirements

7.1.1 Audit

MAFF and/or the department will carry out documented audits each year to ensure compliance for all PFA packhouses and onshore cold treatment facilities. MAFF will also audit ITCT loading procedures each year.

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 MAFF 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.

7.1.2 Communication with MAFF

HEP must send the following lists to MAFF before the start of the relevant export season:

USDA-approved shipping containers PFA citrus packhouses.

7.2 Cold treatment supervision

An authorised officer approved by the deparment will supervise the following aspects of onshore and in-transit cold treatment:

calibration of fruit pulp temperature sensors placement of fruit pulp temperature sensors verification of loading and security calibration records recalibration and correction of the data download if a correction factor is applied.

Refer to Attachment 1 for supervision of loading for ITCT.

7.3 Export inspection

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

For fruit exported under the PFA pathway, an authorised officer approved by the department will inspect a sample in accordance with the PEOM consisting of either 600 pieces or 2% of the completed consignment presented for inspection.

For fruit exported under cold treatment, an authorised officer approved by the department will inspect 2% of the consignment.

Labelling must also be checked.

During citrus inspections, 10% of sampled fruits will have the calyx (button) lifted to inspect for pests (particularly citrophilous mealy bugs [Pseudococcus calceolariae]), egg masses, and quarantine pests of concern to Japan. For some citrus varieties, the navel end of the fruit also requires close inspection for pests.

MAFF considers all pests and diseases to be of quarantine concern unless they are specified in the non-quarantine pest list (s.1.5). Following the interception of a quarantine pest (except Mediterranean fruit fly and Queensland fruit fly) consignments may be reconditioned and represented for inspection.

Interception of live pests that appear on Japan’s non-quarantine pest list do not require quarantine action or treatment.


7.3.1 Rejection criteria

Detection of live fruit flies

If live Mediterranean fruit fly or Queensland fruit fly 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 MAFF and the department are satisfied the cause of the non-conformance has been identified and suitable corrective measures have been implemented.

Detection of quarantine pests

If live quarantine pests (except Mediterranean fruit fly or Queensland fruit fly) are detected in Australia, the consignment presented on the phytosanitary certificate will be rejected. Reconditioning and re-inspection for Japan may occur.

Detection of non-quarantine pests

Interceptions of any live non-quarantine pests (s.1.5) do not require quarantine action or treatment and may pass inspection. Identification to species level must be provided by a qualified entomologist or plant pathologist to the department. The cost of identification must be covered by the exporter.

7.3.2 Reconditioning

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 Japan 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 detailed in writing and include corrective measures taken to ensure they meet export requirements.

7.4 Export certification

7.4.1 Phytosanitary certificates

Phytosanitary certificates are required to be completed in accordance with procedures set out in the Phytosanitary Certificate Completion Work Instruction.

For sea freight shipments, both the container and seal numbers (do not include the letter “A” prefix for the bolt seal, only the number) must be recorded on the phytosanitary certificate. Air freighted consignments should have the flight number, if known, included on the phytosanitary certificate.

The name of the approved citrus or table grape variety must be included on the phytosanitary certificate. e.g.: Citrus – Washington Navel.

The PACKHOUSE NO. is required for citrus exported under PFA. For citrus and table grapes exported under cold treatment, the packhouse number is not required on the phytosanitary certificate.

Additional declarations may be found in the MICoR database (agriculture.gov.au).

http://www.agriculture.gov.au/


7.4.2 Onshore cold treatment documentation

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

treatment temperature

duration (number of consecutive days).

The name and number of the registered establishment 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 / NUMBER. Note: Completed treatment records (including calibration of fruit pulp temperature sensors) must be presented with the phytosanitary certificate to enable authorisation by the authorised officer.

7.4.3 ITCT documentation

For ITCT the authorised officer approved by the department must email a copy of the calibration record to the NDH ([email protected]) on the day of inspection. The email subject line must state “ITCT – [RFP number] – Calibration record”.

The NDH will verify the completion of treatment. After treatment verification, a copy of the original phytosanitary certificate, calibration record and endorsed treatment data must be emailed to the Agriculture Counsellor in Japan and all original documents must also be sent by mail.

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