02 June 2020
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including Master Consolidators, vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principle agents— associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
On 31 May, the department will cease it measures for the 2019 -20 BMSB risk season.
Goods shipped or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 1 May 2020, will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures including the Seasonal Pest Inspection (SPI) on arrival.
Importers are reminded that it is their responsibility to continue to ensure that any goods imported, are free of biosecurity risk material throughout the year, not just during periods of heightened seasonal measures.
All vessels masters and agents are reminded of their obligation to continue to report all insect detections in pre arrival reporting.
Automatic entry processing for commodities (AEPCOMM)
AEPCOMM can continue to be utilised to facilitate the clearance of goods shipped on or before 1 May 2020 that are still en route to Australia and subject to the BMSB seasonal measures.
For goods shipped after 1 May 2020 (outside of the BMSB seasonal measures), AEPCOMM is applicable in accordance with the updated Assessment Guide for Class 19.2 Accredited Persons.
Need help on using AEPCOMM? Email: AEP support
2020-21 Proposed Seasonal Measures
The department is currently finalising proposed measures for the 2020-21 BMSB season. Updates will be published via an Industry Advice Notice and notified on our BMSB Webpage.
Further information
Further information regarding the 2019 -20 BMSB seasonal measures, can be found on the BMSB Webpage
If you see something that could have entered Australia with imported goods report it to See. Secure. Report. on 1800 798 636 or complete the online form.