4 May 2018
Who does this notice affect?
This notice is of interest to relevant international vessel masters, shipping agents and importers of timber and timber products.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the department) has been notified by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries that the BPL flight season concluded at midnight (NZST) 2 May 2018.
Following this advice, the department will conclude the vessel risk assessments under its annual heightened surveillance regime for BPL (Arhopalus ferus) for those arriving in Australia from New Zealand prior to 15 May 2018. In addition, timber and timber products imported from New Zealand will no longer be subject to specific import requirements that are applied during the BPL flight season.
Vessels and timber and timber products departing New Zealand prior to the end of the flight season will continue to be assessed, and inspected if required, to manage the BPL risk to Australia.
Further information?
If you require further information please contact the Maritime National Coordination Centre or phone +61 8 8201 6185.
For current timber and timber product import conditions, please see BICON.
Related Industry Notice – 112/2017 – Commencement of Burnt Pine Longicorn (BPL) flight season measures for 2017-18