Fumigation & Biosecurity Treatments

When goods arrive in Australia, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) can direct them for treatment before they are released. Fumigation is the most common treatment, but heat treatment and other approved methods are also used. This page explains what triggers a treatment order, what it means for your timeline and costs, and how Synergy Freight handles it as your licensed customs broker.

What triggers a fumigation or treatment order?

Under the Biosecurity Act 2015, goods that could carry exotic pests, diseases or contaminants must meet the import conditions published for that commodity. A treatment order is most often issued when:

• Wood packaging is untreated or unmarked. Pallets, crates and dunnage must be treated and carry the ISPM 15 mark. Packaging without it can be directed for treatment, export or destruction.
• Timber, wood products or plant material are imported without the treatment their import conditions require.
• Cargo or containers are contaminated. Soil, seeds, insects, plant matter or animal material found on inspection will trigger a direction.
• Used machinery, equipment or vehicles arrive with soil or organic residue.
• Seasonal pest measures apply. Certain goods from target countries face extra requirements during the brown marmorated stink bug season, which runs roughly September to April.

Which treatments are used?

The method depends on the commodity and what the department directs. Fumigation with an approved fumigant is the most common. Heat treatment is another, and some goods can be treated by other approved methods. The treatment is set by the import conditions and DAFF’s direction, not by the importer or the broker.

Offshore or onshore treatment

Treatment can happen before the goods leave the supplier’s country (offshore), supported by a treatment certificate from an approved provider. If it is required after arrival (onshore), the goods stay under biosecurity control until an accredited fumigator has treated them and the department has released them. Arranging offshore treatment correctly at origin can avoid delays on arrival.

What does treatment cost, and what happens to your timeline?

The importer pays for any treatment, along with related storage, handling and transport. Cost depends on the cargo volume, the treatment method and where the goods are held, so we do not publish a fixed price. Treatment on arrival adds time before release, and storage or demurrage charges can build while the goods wait. If you would rather not treat, the alternatives are usually export or destruction.

How Synergy Freight handles treatment for you

As a licensed customs broker, we check each shipment’s biosecurity requirements before it arrives, arrange any treatment needed, and coordinate clearance with DAFF on your behalf. That includes:

• Checking the import conditions for your commodity before you ship
• Advising whether offshore treatment is worth arranging at origin
• Arranging onshore treatment with an approved provider if a direction is issued
• Managing the paperwork and keeping you updated until the goods are released

Treatment is one part of the wider process. See our quarantine and biosecurity service and our guide to customs clearance in Australia.

How to avoid a treatment order

• Check the import conditions for your goods in the department’s BICON database before you order.
• Use ISPM 15 compliant, marked wood packaging, or non-wood packaging.
• Clean used machinery, vehicles and equipment of soil and organic matter before shipping.
• Make sure the commercial documents describe the goods accurately.
• If you are new to importing, start with our first-time importer support.

Fumigation questions

Who pays for fumigation?

The importer. Treatment, storage and handling costs are not covered by the department.

Can I refuse treatment?

You can choose another permitted option, usually export or destruction. Goods that fail biosecurity requirements cannot simply be released untreated.

Does all timber packaging need fumigation?

No. Wood packaging that is properly treated and carries the ISPM 15 mark generally does not need further treatment. Unmarked or non-compliant packaging is what triggers a direction.

Cargo already flagged, or want to check before you ship? Request a free quote or call us on +61 410 355 355.