As part of Australia’s ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB), strict seasonal biosecurity measures will be enforced on goods and vessels associated with target risk countries from 1 September 2024 to 30 April 2025.
These measures apply to goods manufactured in or shipped from these countries, as well as vessels that berth, load, or transship in these regions during the specified period. The critical date for assessing when goods are shipped is based on the “shipped on board” date from the Ocean Bill of Lading.
Key Updates for the 2024-25 BMSB Season:
- Expanded Surveillance and Inspection: China and South Korea are now under heightened vessel surveillance, with stricter inspections upon arrival in Australia to prevent BMSB entry.
- AusTreat Program Implementation: All offshore BMSB treatments must be conducted by providers registered under AusTreat, ensuring only compliant methods are used to reduce the risk of infested goods entering Australia.
- Elimination of the Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme: The new regulations simplify inspection requirements, applying uniform standards to vessels from target risk countries.
BMSB Measures for Goods and Vessels:
- Goods Classification and Treatment: Target high risk goods must undergo mandatory treatment, while target risk goods are subject to random inspections. Goods not classified under either category are generally exempt unless packed with high-risk goods.
- Breakbulk Goods: All target high risk breakbulk goods must be treated offshore before arriving in Australia. Untreated goods will be denied discharge or directed for export.
- Containerised Goods: Target high risk goods in sealed containers can be treated either offshore or onshore, provided treatment occurs at the container level without deconsolidation.
- Ro-Ro Vessels: All Roll-on/Roll-off vessels from target risk countries are required to undergo crew inspections and mandatory pest inspections upon arrival.
Emerging Risk Countries and Treatment Requirements:
China and the UK have been identified as emerging risks, with random onshore inspections for goods shipped during specified periods. Approved treatment options for managing BMSB include heat treatment, methyl bromide fumigation, and sulfuryl fluoride fumigation, with all providers required to adhere to established standards.
Fraudulent Certificates Monitoring: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will continue to improve monitoring systems to detect and prevent the use of fraudulent certificates. Any consignment identified with a fraudulent certificate will be subjected to onshore treatment or export.
Freightplus Support for BMSB Compliance
Freightplus is equipped to help minimise BMSB biosecurity risks on your cargo. For more information on our biosecurity services or details about the upcoming BMSB season, please contact your local Freightplus office.
Read our full article here: https://freightplus.com/news/brown-marmorated-stink-bug-2024-25-seasonal-measures/