11/01/2023
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents—associated with shipping or importing goods that are subject to increased intervention during the 2022-23 BMSB risk season, and vessels on 2022-23 BMSB season Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme (VSPS).
What has changed?
The purpose of this advice notice is to:
- Provide an update on the temporary heightened measures for RoRo vessels from China, in relation to Import Industry Notice 216-2022: Management of vessels during the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season: Temporary measures for Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) vessels from China
Cessation of temporary mandatory measures for RoRo vessels from China
To manage the increased detections of exotic stinkbugs on RoRo vessels, on 2 November 2022 the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) introduced a temporary intervention measure for RoRo vessels carrying cargo from Chinese ports.
All RoRo vessels with cargo loaded from China were directed to conduct:
- A BMSB routine vessel inspection (RVI), followed by mandatory pyrethrum (pyfog) fogging and residual insecticide spray, with a follow up seasonal pest inspection (SPI).
The department ceased this temporary measure on 9 January 2023
Upon submission of mandatory pre-arrival reporting, RoRo vessels with loaded with cargo from Chinese ports are now subject to same seasonal pest measures as for other vessels. The department’s National Maritime Centre (NMC) officers will advise, through Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) issued from Maritime Arrivals Reporting System (MARS), specific biosecurity risk mitigation measures that are required.
Should detections of BMSB or other exotic seasonal pests increase along this entry pathway, the department may resume this additional measure.
The department requests vessel masters and crew to remain vigilant for BMSB and other hitchhiker pests, and to report any findings to the department at the earliest time possible.
Further information
We encourage you to check our website, or contact VSPS at safeguarding@aff.gov.au if you have any questions.
Contact the department’s National Maritime Centre (MNCC) by email or phone 1300 004 605 (in Australia) or +61 8 8201 6185 (outside Australia).
Information on pre-arrival reporting for maritime vessels can be found on the department’s website under Vessels.
Vessel reporting requirements and the Biosecurity Act 2015
Vessel masters and shipping agents are reminded:
- To read and understand the Biosecurity Status Document (BSD) directions and conditions and keep a copy of the current document on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage in Australia.
- Any changes in circumstances during the voyage in Australian waters, particularly changes to the human health of travelers or reporting pests and diseases, must be submitted via MARS or reported to the NMC as soon as practicable.
- That a failure to report accurately or comply with a requirement under the Biosecurity Act may result in penalties, including infringement notices, civil penalties or criminal prosecutions.