Changes to RIFA area freedom accreditation

The CA RAF 01 market access arrangement, for red imported fire ant (RIFA) area freedom, has been retired. Businesses already accredited to issue their own PHACs can apply for “RAF-01” additional accreditation for SA consignments under their existing accreditation arrangement (subject to being >5km from a known or suspected RIFA infestation). A new, specific CA 28 exists for the small number of businesses without any pre-existing PHAC issuing accreditation.

Any accreditation under which the business is issued a PHAC booklet and audited for PHAC completion (e.g., ICA 29, ICA 37, ICA 42, CA 16, CA 18, etc.). If they can lawfully issue their own PHACs, they can include “RAF 01” for SA consignments provided they meet the area freedom conditions.

Because the only auditable requirement of RAF-01 is PHAC accuracy and issuance controls which are already audited under existing PHAC accreditations. The only eligibility criteria beyond this is that properties are located >5km from a known or suspected RIFA infestation. Use of the RAF 01 code under an existing PHAC arrangement covers off both of these criteria.

Only businesses that do not hold any accreditation that provides a PHAC booklet will need to change to CA-28 if they want to consign to SA under RAF 01 conditions. CA 28 is a purpose built, lighter weight alternative for businesses that don’t require additional accreditation conditions that come with alternate arrangements. That is, other arrangements (ICA-29, ICA-37, ICA-42 etc.) include conditions and auditing for requirements beyond those of RAF-01, which some businesses may not need. CA-28 provides simplified accreditation for RAF-01 requirements only.

No. The “property freedom certificate” mentioned in CA 28 refers to the Certificate of Accreditation issued upon approval of the application.

Businesses who had previously paid the CA-RAF-01 annual fee will be issued a refund if they continue to consign under an alternate PHAC arrangement for which they are already accredited.

Businesses who are not already accredited under an alternate PHAC arrangement who are transferring from the retired CA-RAF-01 to the new CA-28 will have their current accreditation period transferred at no extra cost.

Businesses with no pre-existing accreditation will need to submit a new accreditation application and will incur the routine cost of that application.

No. CA 28 and the RAF 01 statement are only required for consignments to South Australia. Other states’ accept NSW area freedom without additional certification requirements.

Keep a copy of each PHAC for ≥2 years (or until the next audit, whichever is later), and maintain current Application, CA/ICA arrangement, and Certificate of Accreditation for inspection.

They cannot issue the PHAC under their accreditation if they did not grow or prepare the carriers. This tightened rule prohibits cross certification.