5 May 2022
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 principal agents— associated with shipping or importing goods that require increased intervention during the 2021-22 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
On 1 May 2022, the 2021-22 BMSB season ended.
Goods shipped or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 1 May 2022, will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures including the Seasonal Pest Inspection (SPI) on arrival.
Target high risk goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that are shipped on board vessels between 1 September 2021 and 30 April 2022 are subject to BMSB measures on arrival, regardless of the arrival date.
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 vessel masters and agents are reminded of their obligation to continue to report all insect detections in pre arrival reporting.
Master consolidators
Master consolidator declarations will be required to be lodged for containers subject to Seasonal Pest holds that have been shipped on board between 1 September 2021 and 30 April 2022.
If your consignment has been shipped on board a vessel on or after 1 May 2022, a NIL RISK declaration is to be made.
Automatic entry processing for commodities (AEPCOMM)
AEPCOMM can continue to be utilised to facilitate the clearance of goods that are subject to the BMSB seasonal measures.
For goods shipped after 1 May 2022 (outside of the BMSB seasonal measures), AEPCOMM is applicable in accordance with the Assessment Guide for Class 19.2 Accredited Persons and relevant BICON cases.
Need help on using AEPCOMM? Email: AEP support
Further information
For further information please visit our BMSB webpage or contact the department Seasonal Pest Policy team SPP@awe.gov.au.
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.