3 May 2018
Who does this notice affect?
Clients in the import and shipping industries—including freight forwarders, importers and customs brokers—associated with importing goods during the BMSB risk season (shipped between 1 September 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive).
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (department) ceased heightened measures for the 2017-2018 BMSB risk season for goods shipped from 1 May 2018.
Goods shipped on or before 30 April 2018 and still en route to Australia will be subject to BMSB measures. To manage this, the department will assess the shipped on board date to determine if BMSB measures are applicable.
Importers are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure that their goods are imported free of biosecurity risks such as stink bugs throughout the year, not just during the period of heightened seasonal measures.
Further information
The department will use the experiences and data from the current season to prepare a BMSB management strategy for next season. Information about the movement and establishment of BMSB across Europe and other areas will also be taken into consideration. Consultation will occur with peak industry groups and importers prior to the commencement of the next BMSB risk season to seek feedback on the proposed strategy to be issued in advance of the 2018-2019 BMSB risk season.
In addition to reviewing existing mandatory treatment requirements, the department is proposing to develop a list of approved BMSB treatment providers that are authorised to conduct and certify offshore BMSB treatments for certain categories of goods during the 2018-2019 BMSB risk season. Consultation with offshore treatment providers has commenced.
For further information about BMSB risk season and measures, please see the Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs webpage or contact Air and Sea Cargo.
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.
Any further changes to BMSB 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.