23 July 2018
Who does this notice affect?
Clients in the import and shipping industries—including freight forwarders, importers and customs brokers—associated with importing goods that require increased intervention during the BMSB risk season (shipped between 1 September 2018 and 30 April 2019 inclusive).
What has changed?
To manage the risk posed by BMSB to Australia, the department mandates heightened measures during the BMSB risk season for goods shipped to Australia between 1 September and 30 April inclusive.
For the 2018-19 BSMB risk season, the department has expanded the list of countries that will be subject to heightened measures. The additional countries are France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania and Russia. Italy and the United States of America will also continue to be subject to the seasonal measures.
Under the measures, certain risk goods manufactured in, or shipped as sea cargo from, these countries will be subject to increased onshore intervention. Mandatory offshore treatment will also apply to certain high risk goods manufactured in, or shipped from, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia, and the United States of America. Goods that require mandatory offshore treatment and arrive untreated or treated by an unapproved treatment provider will be exported or destroyed, unless exceptional circumstances are granted.
The department is currently reviewing the range of goods including tariffs that will be subject to heightened measures. A draft list of the target goods is available on the BMSB web page. The range of goods will be finalised in late July 2018.
In addition to the measures above, heightened vessel surveillance will be conducted on all roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) and general cargo vessels with pre-arrival reporting through a questionnaire and daily checks for presence of BMSB. Vessels identified as high risk from the surveillance will be directed for inspection, treatment or other directions. This measure will apply to vessels from France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Romania, Russia, and the United States of America.
Offshore treatment providers – application form now available
All treatment providers in France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Russia and the United States of America that intend to conduct BMSB treatments must register under the Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme (the scheme). The application form for the scheme is now available on the BMSB web page.
Treatment providers in other countries who intend to conduct BMSB treatments for goods that are manufactured in France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Italy or the Unites States of America are also encouraged to complete the application form.
Treatment certificates from providers in non-target risk countries who do not register will be accepted and goods may be subject to onshore verification.
Treatment providers in non-target risk countries who perform more than three BMSB treatments during the season must join the Offshore BMSB Treatment Providers Scheme. After an unapproved provider’s third certificate is received, future treated goods may be exported or destroyed, unless exceptional circumstances are granted.
The department will add treatment providers who meet our requirements to our approved list of offshore treatment providers.
Clients who used an offshore treatment provider in the 2017–18 season are requested to inform them of the application process.
Further information
For further information regarding BMSB measures, visit the BMSB web page or contact Air and Sea Cargo.