16 January 2018
Who does this notice affect?
Clients in the import and shipping industries—including importers and customs brokers—associated with importing containerised goods from Italy during the BMSB risk season (1 September 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive).
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has found significant numbers of BMSB on arrival in Australia in various types of containerised goods arriving from Italy. These detections indicate that BMSB are sheltering in a range of containers and goods outside of those captured by existing measures.
To manage the risk posed by these goods, all containerised goods shipped via sea cargo from Italy that arrive in Australia between 17 January 2018 and 30 April 2018 will be required to undergo an approved treatment onshore. Refer to the BMSB webpage for information about approved treatments for this pest.
Goods already treated offshore with one of the approved BMSB treatments, and where a valid treatment certificate is presented to the department, will not require further treatment.
Exceptions from treatment also apply to goods that fall within one of the excluded tariff groups:
- Fresh produce (including nursery stock and live plants)
- Live animals
- Food for human consumption
- Seeds for sowing
All other containerised goods (FCL, FCX and LCL) arriving from Italy (including new and unused goods), including those already en route to Australia, will require treatment on arrival using methyl bromide, or another approved treatment for BMSB. These measures are in addition to existing import requirements. The department will inspect randomly selected containers post treatment to validate treatment effectiveness and to collect intelligence to determine future measures.
Due to increased risk measures, profiles have been created to refer relevant entries to AIMS. Brokers must lodge all documentation relating to the consignment into the COLS system and ensure that all documents meet the department’s
documentary requirements.
Lodging documents in COLS:
- Use the Enquiry/Declaration function
- Select Enquiry Type Quarantine document processing
- Attach all documents relating to the consignment
- Regardless if goods are exempt, brokers must nominate a valid Approved Arrangement (AA) fumigation location, preferably with the AA registration number and name, in the Enquiry Information field.
Importers shipping consignments to Australia during the BMSB risk season should ensure their stakeholders are aware of the risk of BMSB infestation and the importance of preventing infestation prior to shipping.
When deconsolidating goods, care should be taken to inspect locations where BMSB may congregate, including crevices or protected areas of shipping containers, inside the goods, or within packaging material. If BMSB are detected, operators and staff must follow normal procedures to secure goods to limit any movement of insects and notify the department immediately.
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.
Further information
Under the Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016 and the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, fees are payable to the department for all services. Details on how the department applies fees and levies can be found in the charging guidelines.
For further information on the 2017-18 measures, please see the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs webpage or contact Air and Sea Cargo.
Any further changes to the 2017-18 measures will be published in industry advice notices and via social media. To receive notification of changes, go to the subscription centre to request an email when a new industry notice is issued, or go to the department’s twitter account, @DeptAgNews.