The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources have advised that there has been a significant number of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) detections in cargo 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 pests, all containerised goods shipped via sea cargo from Italy that arrive in Australia between 17 January and 30 April 2018 will be required to undergo mandatory fumigation or heat treatment onshore.
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
Please find following more information received recently from the CBFCA (Custom Brokers and Forwarders Council of Australia):
- The department has assessed the related biosecurity risk, and as a result is not able to delay these measures for a later time.
- These measures have been put in place in response to the existing risk of BMSB importation in a variety of cargo from Italy, and these have been implemented as an emergency response to prevent incursion of BMSB and potential damage to Australia’s $9.4 billion horticultural industry.
- 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.
- 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.
- The measures apply to all target goods originating in Italy during BMSB season. This includes goods that may subsequently be loaded/transhipped to Australia through other countries in Europe for goods originating in Italy.
- Due to increased risk measures, profiles have been created to refer relevant entries to AIMS on 17 January 2018.
- Any shipments cleared prior to the new profiling will not be subject to further entry processing. The department is not actively reviewing releases that have been issued prior to 17 January 2018.
- 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 and seeds for sowing.
- All other containerised goods (FCL, FCX and LCL) arriving from Italy (including new and unused goods), including those already on route to Australia, will require treatment on arrival using methyl bromide, or another approved treatment for BMSB.
The advice from the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources comes after previous notices have been issued asking receivers of containers from Italy to be on the look out for these pests.
If you have any further questions regarding the above, please kindly contact our Customs Manager, Phil Gray directly.
