24 October 2019
Who does this notice affect?
Industry stakeholders that are associated with imported goods subject to the department’s 2019-20 Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) seasonal measures – including vessel masters, freight forwarders, treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers and principal agents.
What has changed?
On 14 October 2019, the Department of Agriculture (the department) opened the Safeguarding Arrangements Scheme (the scheme) following a trial with a small group of select industry participants. The scheme is intended to provide an alternate clearance pathway for goods during the BMSB risk season and provides recognition of the ability of approved participants to manage biosecurity and seasonal hitchhiker pest risk offshore, from the point of manufacture to the point of embarkation in line with eligibility criteria.
For more information on the scheme including the eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see www.agriculture.gov.au/safeguarding
The department would like to take this opportunity to thank the importers that took part in the trial of the scheme. We have gained valuable knowledge which is helping us to continue to streamline our processes.
Further information
For further information regarding the BMSB seasonal measures, visit the Seasonal Measures for BMSB webpage or for policy questions email the Seasonal Pest Policy team.