1 May 2024
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 2023-24 BMSB risk season.
What has changed?
On 1 May 2024, the 2023-24 BMSB risk season ended.
Goods shipped on board or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 1 May 2024 will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures, including 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 2023 and 30 April 2024, remain 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 2023 and 30 April 2024.
If your consignment has been shipped on board a vessel on or after 1 May 2024, 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 subject to the BMSB seasonal measures.
For goods shipped after 1 May 2024 (outside of the BMSB seasonal measures), AEPCOMM can be utilised to assess standard biosecurity measures. Accredited persons must refer to the Approved Commodities webpage and relevant BICON cases when undertaking assessments.
Need help on using AEPCOMM?
Email: AEP support
Further information
For further information please visit our BMSB webpage or contact the department’s Seasonal Pest Policy team SPP@aff.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.