What is AFAS? Why Is It Important for Exporting to Australia?
What is AFAS? Why Is It Important for Exporting to Australia?

Australia places great importance on Biosecurity when importing goods. The country has strict import control measures to prevent insects, pests, and other organisms that could potentially affect its agriculture and ecosystems.

For exporters who are required to carry out fumigation before shipping goods to Australia, AFAS (Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme) is an important system to be familiar with. It is a scheme associated with the accreditation and oversight of fumigation service providers carrying out fumigation outside Australia.

SGT invites you to learn more about AFAS and understand why exporters should pay attention to their choice of fumigation service provider.

 

What is AFAS?

AFAS (Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme) is a collaboration between the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and government authorities in participating countries. Its purpose is to manage Biosecurity risks associated with Methyl Bromide (MB) fumigation carried out outside Australia.

A key objective of AFAS is to increase confidence that Methyl Bromide fumigation carried out prior to export is effective and complies with the requirements accepted by Australia.

Fumigation service providers operating under the AFAS system must meet registration requirements, receive training on AFAS requirements, and undergo regular assessments of their compliance.

 

What Are the Procedures for Fumigation Under AFAS?

Methyl Bromide fumigation under AFAS must be carried out in accordance with the Methyl Bromide Fumigation Methodology established by DAFF, which specifies requirements for fumigation service providers conducting fumigation for Quarantine and Pre-Shipment (QPS) purposes.

The fumigation process covers several steps, from preparing personnel and equipment, inspecting the fumigation area and ensuring the suitability of the goods, and implementing safety controls, to measuring gas concentration, recording data, and preparing documentation after fumigation.

 

Why Is Choosing the Right Service Provider Important?

For exports to Australia, fumigation is not only about whether pests can be eliminated. The fumigation must also be carried out in accordance with the import requirements and fumigation methodology specified by Australia.

Exporters should consider the following when selecting a fumigation service provider:

Accreditation and registration status

● Personnel trained in accordance with the requirements

● Equipment for fumigation and measurement

● Fumigation procedures and controls

● Preparation of certificates and related documentation

● Experience in fumigation for export shipments

Choosing a well-qualified service provider helps ensure that fumigation and the related documentation are properly planned and systematically managed, while reducing the risk of potential issues at a later stage.

 

SGT Service provides Methyl Bromide fumigation for exports to Australia under the AFAS system.

We provide support throughout the process, from coordination and preparation of information to fumigation, monitoring and control during the fumigation process, as well as the preparation of certificates and related documentation.

☎ Tel: 0-2105-4510, 0-2348-3355-9

✉ Email: [email protected]